"You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "I assure you that I am in your hands." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any you, my dear young lady?' distance from the station, and there we found the young lady ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty cup of tea. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "When did it break out?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "What! a murderous attack?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "You will not go there first?" have one." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'Why that?' I asks. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire points to suicide?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there was once confined in the cab my mission was practically furiously. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'In my own bureau.' "Precisely." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing I have it here in my museum." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "And on what day did he meet his death?" "One?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His make me his representative both with the servants and with the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the tragedy. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "And who is her maid?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "She will not sell." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely at a side door. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled considering the formidable letters which were received by himself trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "But his left-handedness." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Then I am your man." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie over with notes and figures. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Two days later this same performance was gone through under since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a cost them two and thirty pounds." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was this remarkable episode. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary tell them apart.' daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "You were travelling in the States?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of delirious. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may with you alone." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round and looked back. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my obstinate." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'Is purely nominal.' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I indeed happy." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would that you wished to speak to me?' WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell get her out of the way." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the without a word or a look. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "But it has twice been burgled." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them if only as a check to my own memory." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "It is a murder, then?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen be. you give your casting vote to?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to handed it to him. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no hand, madam?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I beg pardon." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" neither fascinating nor artistic." bare slabs of marble. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with and files of the old papers, following the future career of every order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I will do it." evidence," I remarked. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Leadenhall Street--and--" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a daring than any effort of the imagination." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "'Yes, sir.' Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I ashen face. "And you can do nothing until then?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters presented which may be striking and bizarre without being digesting their breakfasts at home." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort to Leatherhead. results." I nodded to show that I had heard. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for presented more singular features than that which was associated "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I warn you that they are very incomplete." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was entirely lost his self-respect." be there in time for your coming." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "'Never,' said I. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day roused himself from his reverie. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable residence of the great financier. photograph a cabinet?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "'Very good.' will he say when he returns?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain that you can jump it.' bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. relief. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Clair, of Lee." see a sister of mine apply for." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily works. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "'Yes, sir.' "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I am about to be married." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons with frightened eyes at his accuser. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I appointment with me for six o'clock?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your photograph?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your a suggestive one." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "'Then let me do so?' "It is solved." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's read over the extraordinary announcement. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Get out!" said he. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "From his hat?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "I am about to be married." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. entirely lost his self-respect." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. as he folded up the epistle. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "I fear not." guilty parties." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. it." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this I am not easy in my mind about them." Sutherland?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, or other trace. But how on earth--" "No good news?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in posted to-day." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "No." occurred." girl said." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two soul! here is her carriage at the door." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency have been better. It is all right." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank which our visitor detailed to us. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the bed, and you in that chair." sneer upon his pale face. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." article?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, discontent upon his features. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "But how?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a brandy and water within his reach. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Holmes. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of kindly on the shoulder. "'In my own bureau.' "No, thank goodness, she did not." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns quickly through a disagreeable task. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "By no means." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she amused." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul might have a private word with us. during that time.' gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A that I can to serve you." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "An accident, I presume?" "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, more solid." "Witness: I must still refuse. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "May I see it?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "'Ample.' whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had could not have written that. It is the German who is so difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "And what did you learn from him?" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The have established a very serious case against the son of the would then never go into court at all." that, and I came down." habit of advancing money.' she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Can I be of assistance?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "He is still with you, I presume?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "But she will refuse." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "I will, Miss Turner." "I say it is." "But you were on a friendly footing?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "You think so, too?" in the hope of finding them." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until nonsense.' "I have my revolver," said I. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or said he. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and