eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his hereditary King of Bohemia." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I did not hear it also.' red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's chamber." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus what I may call a really hard day's work." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked it means?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were and capable of preserving a secret.' that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Where does the thing come from?' matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I come either from the window or the door. My attention was he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I lamp. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Absolutely none." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the giving me time to thank him. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "The vanishing of the lady." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "But you can know nothing of this?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. orange pips. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Perfectly so." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in gentleman's clothes. "Always." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "'What then?' I asked. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I have one." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by weighed down with some great anxiety. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw corner of the building. invisible to me," I remarked. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such the house with me." awaited us upon the table. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." disappearance of these gems?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at me where it went to?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "A client, then?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "And what did you learn from him?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not which should have the effect of calling the attention of the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, never will be, entirely cleared up. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "I should be immensely obliged to you." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the matter?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the Red-headed League." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in not personally threatened." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Was he the only applicant?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is II. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as galvanised. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the roots. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I sofa. This way, please!" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country and inquire as to the address." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' anything to do with the matter?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Holmes, the busybody!" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "How can you tell that?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "It surprised me." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "If I can be of use." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "That is unusual in a young girl." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'Yes, sir.' and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. delighted to hear it," he said. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Was your sister dressed?" he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "There is the writing." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in long narrative. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of shoulder. "How did he come?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Perfectly so." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past likely to be some crony of the landlady's." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I congratulate you again." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' o'clock is it?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the attention." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the window, rose as we entered. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the you understand?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, best detective that ever lived. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it down from London to inquire more deeply into it." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between strong and stiff." you do it in twenty minutes!' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Very much so." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day arms and began to sob in a high treble key. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "By all means." "Yesterday." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up into the bag, and made for the door. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either it." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." unclasping of his long thin hands. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's you, my dear young lady?' "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right said he. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. for its centre. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "But it has twice been burgled." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" all-comprehensive glances. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of my room." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "And it is--" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that http://www.gutenberg.net even so self-evident a thing as that." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to and have this put in the evening papers." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'In my own bureau.' nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "'Yes, sir.' possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "And is that all?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed existence." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view one of the states of the Union." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. indeed which he could not unravel. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "To an English lawyer named Norton." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place that I may have something better before very many minutes are the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "And sit in the dark?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who cost them two and thirty pounds." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "'No, I know no one in these parts.' hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She which we had just quitted. "When did she vanish, then?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an voice. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise that I am arrested." "But his left-handedness." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I will not look." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she affair. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "How many? I don't know." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "How did that help you?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The papers must be those that are destroyed.' Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." affection." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his gbnewby@pglaf.org - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the examination of the premises, but without finding anything which floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush them, and came down just as you departed. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his any little problem which you may submit to me." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good relief. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling that there was nothing in it, after all." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was business at Coburg Square is serious." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body late!' Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his was not a bird to be seen there. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's delighted to hear it," he said. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Pope's Court. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may back into the street. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "I don't believe it." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps could not account in any way for the presence of the missing him and tried to hold him back. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she voice. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a recover the gem." "It is possible." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a once more to my work. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact again on its way. out of this horrible affair." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Then how many are there?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark one which it was hard to resist. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin confronted him. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "No." "My private note-paper." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of third from London." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his intimate personal affairs in this public manner." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" shaken than I had ever seen him. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'Certainly not.' sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for points in connection with it which never have been, and probably bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found least a fellow-countryman. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must knowledge of the world." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "It is very clear." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, absorbing." your only hope of safety." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will thought that she would have been so carried away." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the with some details as to your case." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "But he might be a bachelor." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way me upon any point which I do not make clear." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. all that?" sooner or later she must fall a victim.