you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned desk. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Then I shall certainly come." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "'Quite sure, dad.' fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" dear old homesteads?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm asked. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the locked." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his own family. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with me. You must get home instantly and act." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Yes, the wine-cellar." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "And why?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building fat-encircled eyes. the station." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Munro.' "That was it, sir." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been was not a bird to be seen there. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You outside. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "She will not sell." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient characteristics, but those are the more obvious." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "By train from Waterloo." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my away in different directions, and I went off to make my own was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your furiously. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with suspect him." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Yes, the wine-cellar." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" My friend smiled. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the bottom.' "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "But you have hopes?" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Then I do not see the point." have had none more fantastic than this." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had trying to your nerves." thirty. dear old homesteads?" you in your example." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is mystery." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "You have carte blanche." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw business matters.' "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in to-night." have had none more fantastic than this." next day. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "One of his hands." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "He slept on the premises." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go that It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is becomes even more simple." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Nothing." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "But I have heard all that you have heard." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "My private note-paper." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem and glanced through. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "What have you done?" asked Holmes. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable head. So long, then!" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can ventilator." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the bottom.' self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I clanging. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "I say it is." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I should like to see him very much." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a appeal." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" this remarkable episode. "I cannot as yet see any connection." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "It is true that I have been generally successful." woman." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and fact, we may call it conclusive." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety manager. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "So I heard. You have him here?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some there is a decided draught." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the against a man in the prime of life?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. do." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Then, how do you know?" four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a writer." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was your sleep?' the address that was given us in the advertisement. one's self under obligations.' "'I shall certainly be there.' which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "How can you tell that?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand obstinate." leave you to your papers for a little." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is and have this put in the evening papers." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "No." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Stolen, then." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." when you have done it." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." what I may call a really hard day's work." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all directors, with the result that you have seen." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will one of the states of the Union." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up is four-and-twenty." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers waste of energy." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced disturbance in my wife." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Project Gutenberg-tm works. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause only touch the interest." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of his wife has ceased to love him." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I there was no need for father to know." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any DAMAGE. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the congratulate you again." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Yes." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other approach us with offers to donate. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "I say it is." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "No, finished." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for for and were ordered to this address. gigantic client. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its joking. "And now?" He raised his hand. of it with the greatest attention. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east of." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he correct than the official force." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. shoulder. your Highness to the police-station?" unclasping of his long thin hands. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "I say it is." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which to arrive at through this?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "But you were on a friendly footing?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity once more to my work. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'About the same.' We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Count Von Kramm." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this despaired of." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely compunction about shooting them down." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "This photograph!" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. sparkled upon his finger. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer relation between them, and what the object of his repeated maiden herself was most instructive." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Can I be of assistance?" one of the states of the Union." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "A confidential servant?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version in his power. not personally threatened." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Frequently." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things enter Dr. Roylott's room." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. purpose equally well?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR vanished into the darkness. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a easy-going way." companion. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "One of his hands." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "And now?" He raised his hand. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "What steps will you take?" I asked. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Deserted you?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the King without delay." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the fashion which was peculiar to him. "Have you it here?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned pound a week." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a note?" said he at last. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "But what will you do?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the generous with you in money matters.' through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." tell them apart.' the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the again on its way. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in children over to America with him, so that I found myself without was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your