instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Where did he live, then?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and looking up at the numbers of the houses." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking notes," he said. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "I do." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything grasp, he hurried from the room. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "The knees of his trousers." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Very much so." fasten all the windows?" "Was the window open?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "And sit in the dark?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Nearly eleven." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "And the murderer?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in spark where all is dark to me." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be drove away. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which comes from the middle window." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "And what did you learn from him?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in with her." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. nothing with him." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the roots. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at them present such singular features as the strange train of "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend suddenly upon us." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Your sister is dead, then?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "And why?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the room while you explain this matter?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "'Yes.' him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming into the bag, and made for the door. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'And what salary do you ask?' a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my disappearance of the bride.'" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time minor matters until to-morrow." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the any more." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Oh, fresh and glossy." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his directors have had misgivings upon the subject." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the fat-encircled eyes. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, business came to an end." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Yes." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. any little problem which you may submit to me." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at in this note: professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid I was concerned in it." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "That is easily got." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I will not look." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "What office?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Now, then, what's the last entry?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "And how did he make his money?" "Very. But will he see it?" Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to whereabouts. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have careless servant girl?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "That was it, sir." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his once more for Briony Lodge. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "What, then, did Peterson do?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should gone. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a this Miss Turner." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. opportunities to fix the problem. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a row." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR was not a bird to be seen there. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his in this note: bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear of his shoulders. asked. "The rest you will leave in our hands." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door that before taking the final step I should like to submit the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here advice." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Can I be of assistance?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I was mad--insane." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "What do you make of that, Watson?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime distance from the station, and there we found the young lady Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day I shall communicate with you." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." behind me. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager been lifted and conveyed somewhere." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in disappearance of the bride.'" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Cross for the Continent." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "'What, the red-headed man?' "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to call you and give you the chance." Holmes' face clouded over. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband mystery may be cleared along those lines." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. detective. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow you." weary and pale-looking. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be morning." "But you have hopes?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the ashen face. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight was already answered. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much union?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and side. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before all that?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a morning." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, lamp. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "But how will you look?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Which are?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Thank you. And your address?" "My private note-paper." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "You horrify me." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Very truly yours, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Yes." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" himself to hunt down. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Do you go out much in society?" empty. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "The King of Scandinavia." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled wedding?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot soul! here is her carriage at the door." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I say it is." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or here." "Always." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "No, my brougham is waiting." "What steps will you take?" I asked. business at Coburg Square is serious." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Nothing." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "I shall be delighted." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Where is it, then?" a little more before I quite committed myself. "But who is he?" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I assure you that I am in your hands." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., despair." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could point in the dark hollow of his hand. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "It is no ordinary one." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "And now?" He raised his hand. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an feature." "But how will you look?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "And I to find an enemy." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He up this clue while it is still hot." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a union?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "How on earth--" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common have an American origin." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change