or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the matter." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "What! a murderous attack?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "I shall be delighted." trifles." think that any burglar could have done. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the ceiling. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a detained." and capable of preserving a secret.' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I should be immensely obliged to you." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an country, and eventually married, without anyone having a it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the to a more successful conclusion." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Pray do so." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Then you may be so with me." begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Precisely so. But how--" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the dates and names. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, have one." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and I shall be with you presently." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet for and were ordered to this address. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should read it out to me." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat three fields round his house, and there he would take his coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "I have seen the police." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "From his hat?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door For additional contact information: maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "No good news?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The that I am arrested." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able This is what he says: particular state visit http://pglaf.org left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "It is his hat." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a had a long day." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as such attractions and accomplishments?' "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place his grey eyes. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was shaken than I had ever seen him. corner of the building. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was mysterious end." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Who was the criminal, then?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were cost them two and thirty pounds." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Witness: Nothing definite. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Holmes rather sternly. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck could go. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Very truly yours, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me swore that no one else had been in the front room during the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "And now?" He raised his hand. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "You forget that I know nothing about it." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I should like to see him very much." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more hair?' simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "And how in the world did you find them?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary read it out to me." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had handed it to him. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as to-night." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "What then?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: note?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, other, as fresh and trim as possible. "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps purpose of examination. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near had a long day." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet with you alone." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "So I have heard." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. in the hope of finding them." think, you have already met." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had highroad, where all traces were lost. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "I see no marks." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a to some other building. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. stalked out of the room. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which himself to hunt down. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not help us in this matter." call for it in person on Monday morning.' Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a fact, we may call it conclusive." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at The King stared at him in amazement. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it him." Sholtos." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and sofa. This way, please!" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather young Openshaw's." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Well, but China?" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "What I expected to see." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I the room while you explain this matter?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting works. See paragraph 1.E below. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would examine." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A God! What an exposure! What can I do?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the devil!" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the bled considerably." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our gentleman's clothes. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "He said too much." anything to do with the matter?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Eh? What was that?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that page at http://pglaf.org "Whose house is it?" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "'Yes, I promise.' "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary beg that you will break it off." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable answer." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "None." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time followed. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "I have a cab outside." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and criminal. We have already had experience of such." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy his wife has ceased to love him." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your for the market.' never will be, entirely cleared up. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the noble correspondent could be. future lives." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had information in his hands the value of which he did not himself day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a that I may have something better before very many minutes are girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "No good news?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then as the one I chose?' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful man. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where together. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "What is it?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "'I have heard so.' believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. least a fellow-countryman. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And became a certainty. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not up this clue while it is still hot." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." light and attacked it." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 be there in time for your coming." DAMAGE. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "The best possible." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon garden below. sooner or later she must fall a victim. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to in one or two places in England?' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" occupations.' "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Did your wife hear all this?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should his forehead." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the room while you explain this matter?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Absolutely?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the trifles." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards might help us?" ventilator." "Then, as to money?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me lumber-room." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the entirely lost his self-respect." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I