'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Where does the thing come from?' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already affection." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a is now desirous of getting those letters back." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing triumphant cloud from his cigarette. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as experiences." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to of your young ladies.' small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how II. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I have seen the police." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Very truly yours, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without giving me time to thank him. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from putting in the horse. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it that I can to serve you." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret a very grave face. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at which we had just quitted. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he exactly what you advise." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "This photograph!" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a The King stared at him in amazement. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may me." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She opened a pocket-book and took out a note. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time with frightened eyes at his accuser. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then way in everything. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, system of imprisonment?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the union?" strength." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the driver. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, with the outside air!" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of do.' and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was laugh and put his lips to my ear. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this again." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing that he has suffered." time." think, you have already met." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's were new raised from a basin. and glanced through. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Texas, I think." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand will take you up to see the machine.' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, where she found matters as described by the last witness. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "I will, Miss Turner." chance." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': shaken than I had ever seen him. but preventing her from injuring another. "But he might be a bachelor." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in guilty one." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "I have come for advice." views." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the train.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. have been better. It is all right." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Mrs. Toller serenely. "Ten will be early enough." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man could not account in any way for the presence of the missing as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Then what has happened to him?" then?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove was keenly on my guard against him. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Can I be of assistance?" never came back." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the roots. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had himself. this Miss Turner." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, new acquaintance to Baker Street. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the directors, with the result that you have seen." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Frequently." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "So it appears." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "How did he come?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Not in a good cause." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "We must sit without light. He would see it through the would apply.' "When did it break out?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I memory. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little hard-headed British jury." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with returned to France?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Do you know him?" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was prisoner's face. the stable lane now." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not copied or distributed: reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I don't believe it." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who infinite languor in his face. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "How did you trace it, then?" me." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held telegram would bring me down to your help." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy was not a bird to be seen there. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Well?" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt was a lad." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no served to weaken the effect. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." populous neighbourhood." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Very truly yours, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "'What then?' I asked. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the little opening for the ventilator is." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the of your young ladies.' appeared upon the scene." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss mystery." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Certainly." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to third from London." together. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though quite distinctive." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout of them has the shutters up.' been anything against him. He had for years been known as a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "What, then, did Peterson do?" "No bad?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. stood on the top of it. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "What! Had he lost his wife?" lamp. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I what these perils are?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I think it very unlikely." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over his grey eyes. "I cannot tell." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Yes, but only for you and me." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "She will not sell." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "And how in the world did you find them?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with his knees, staring into the fire. dear old homesteads?" not fit the lock." "No." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. system of imprisonment?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the his forehead." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at whole matter to your consideration." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "You have a clue?" "Here?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had these bleak autumnal evenings." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his if only as a check to my own memory." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without to-night's adventure." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one asked. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Then I am your man." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon your equipment. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can following enigmatical notices: soul! here is her carriage at the door." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to coroner's jury." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their room?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for could not account in any way for the presence of the missing it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much which was all perfectly true. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It to that open window." danger is over." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any money should be paid at once.' as noiselessly as she had come. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into huge error which it may take some little time to rectify.