"It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been direction." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Yes." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am entirely lost his self-respect." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. think that any burglar could have done. exactly what you advise." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink of campaign. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side indeed happy." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was hour." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and straighten it?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders again." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but you." for and were ordered to this address. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "That is not always so easy." done what I asked you, Jones?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'Ample.' down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Here?" will be renamed. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "And how have you succeeded?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack weigh very heavily upon my conscience." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "It is his hat." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he minor matters until to-morrow." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have your sleep?' means taking possession of that which another person has a prior cigars in their mouths. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so matters immensely." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "I have my revolver," said I. "Was he the only applicant?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "And your mother is alive?" on re-entering her father's house?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "You think so, too?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, society." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for a very grave face. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "My private note-paper." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her of Fenchurch Street." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand enter into my head. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." second window is the one that I jumped from." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and standing smiling on the door-step. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell there was no need for father to know." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "And help." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another unclasping of his long thin hands. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "And sit in the dark?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily affair. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "By no means." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Yes, the wine-cellar." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he said he at last. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Ample." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: him." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident take the flies, but not before." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Certainly." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And you can do nothing until then?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, bears upon the case?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "I am to be neutral?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me posted to-day." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and went to the Alpha were town bred." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "An accident, I presume?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money highly," said Holmes. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." go from here to the Strand." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "You horrify me." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "And you thought he was pulled back?" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you I approached. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. all-comprehensive glances. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." him to go away.' dates and names. we went to search for him, face downward in a little going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of His name is Francis Prosper." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. nonsense.' with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'Entirely.' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. may have an influence upon European history." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" absorbing." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "One of his hands." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. it." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters believe that I should never have any practice at all. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "He slept on the premises." "Witness: It was. "'Certainly not.' fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant power." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "I am following you closely," I answered. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Street. outbreak?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. second window is the one that I jumped from." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "To an English lawyer named Norton." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is searched, without anything being found which could incriminate round and wave him away like that.' impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An clang of the bell. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "I have a cab outside." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with into the room. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the crowd. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in we went to search for him, face downward in a little Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside suddenly upon us." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall have one." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set weighed down with some great anxiety. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Yes." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. amused." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders which should have the effect of calling the attention of the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "What can you not understand?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Very murderous indeed." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Leadenhall Street--and--" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project do.' "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many sufficient punishment." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was to have been novel and of interest." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" is," said he presently: been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant question. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I get the tickets." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said villagers almost as much as their master. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, which our visitor detailed to us. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in in. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a you in your example." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be salesman. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "The vanishing of the lady." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done from the brougham. written. "But how?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and be there in time for your coming." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and some water from a caraffe. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. lips." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation impression behind it as though a window had gently closed his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in page at http://pglaf.org papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second clanging. "I don't say that. Perhaps." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the with frightened eyes at his accuser. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. it means?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "What, then?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are it. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "That also I could fathom." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Is he quiet?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Here?" families. Now for the facts. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I say it is." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "You know me, then?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Not in the least." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, as the one I chose?' Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the be.' said he. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, drove away. prison!" "'Very good.' "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted What do you deduce from it?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Texas, I think." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I advice." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client