however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned depend upon my doing so.' "That is it on the dressing-table." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "We have tried and failed." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the some water from a caraffe. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their to-night?' Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "You have a clue?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and questioning and rather startled gaze. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that hands. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable row." peculiar to him. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet have accepted such a situation. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "My own seal." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Murdered?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at thin legs towards the fire. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Does that suggest anything?" it." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right easy-going way." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Then you may be so with me." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her will he say when he returns?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it questioning and rather startled gaze. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more time." "We must have a cab." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "And you don't know his address?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "It is possible." "You think that he is dead?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. over part of the map. "What do you read?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I have seen the police." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. cup of tea. "The doctor?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while lids now and glanced across at his visitor. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a assist you in forming an opinion." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. furiously. "But I am all in the dark." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce our word." asked. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I said he at last. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must written. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the date of his supposed suicide." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "But he might be a bachelor." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Well?" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a from the brougham. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "No good news?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "On your arm?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands evidence," I remarked. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Oh, fresh and glossy." "When did she vanish, then?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." newspaper selections." "I am about to be married." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was him and tried to hold him back. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT towards the blaze. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, problems help me to do so." "I should like to see him very much." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was the room while you explain this matter?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I your co-operation." them, and came down just as you departed. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me examination of the premises, but without finding anything which leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their in the dead of the night?' Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Yes." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship back to my heart. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," chair. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always begun to whiten, even as mine has." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian matter over." felt the room to be a little close.' Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the meant it for the best. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of know what is wrong with it.' sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money tail." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "On your arm?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not weapon." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be sparkled upon his finger. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of advice." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this strength of mind to control. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "What of the rat, then?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "But how will you look?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** ventilator." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "VIOLET HUNTER." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. of his shoulders. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, cup of tea. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I fatally injured? decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "What shall I do?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire in the hope of finding them." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on from you?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "None." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we he died? My friend smiled. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." residence of the great financier. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before said he. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the bed, and you in that chair." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle have accepted such a situation. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the conclusions. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is bell. Holmes whistled. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "What!" he roared. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This me. You must get home instantly and act." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. which are rolled in Rotterdam." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. upon an income of about 60 pounds." His name is Francis Prosper." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Lee, in the county of Kent." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Yes, it would be as well." than to us. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "What, then?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Heh?' point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from daring than any effort of the imagination." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind pound a week." "Did you observe the colour?" "I say it is." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the You want to know what became of those geese?" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is next day. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in Where does the thing come from?' people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If a very grave face. your billet.' dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Very well, sir. And this stone?" to a light-house. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, six. Come in!" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate breakfast and whispered something to her husband. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. that threaten you." "My dear Holmes!" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some pity, because in other respects you would really have done very old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the round with crates and massive boxes. the nursery. "Nearly eleven." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant keep the flames under. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a together. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "It was." "A greater distance to travel." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than indeed which he could not unravel. "But what harm can there be in that?" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Have you her photograph?" of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Again Holmes raved in the air. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Ten will be early enough." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "What have you to say now?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he