waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting had a long day." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "And what did you learn from him?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and and no precautions can guard against." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something thought that she would have been so carried away." people don't know." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever province." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Sutherland. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "There is the writing." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "What then?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Literary Archive Foundation beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "What then?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, where we are going." advice." Pool. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 your equipment. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, whether it answered to the description of any of their "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "The knees of his trousers." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "You horrify me!" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a strength." "Yes." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master that I am arrested." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and late!' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do get her out of the way." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it I leave." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, to talk it over. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads knowledge of the world." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country his knees, staring into the fire. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of go--none." "I never have." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens you?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp of campaign. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which second window is the one that I jumped from." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of your bag." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "So I have heard." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." delighted to hear it," he said. better grown goose." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Doctor, of the paper and the date." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with joking. "And sit in the dark?" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "That's no good." have got?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "And your mother is alive?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage kind enough to tell me what I should do." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and mysterious business." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his once more. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found father's place of business?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have will take you up to see the machine.' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. rose-bushes. Chief Executive and Director "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had to-night?" I asked. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies it means?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "BALLARAT." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the in my life." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler fashion which was peculiar to him. face and glided from the room. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Precisely so. But how--" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work such attractions and accomplishments?' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly me. You must get home instantly and act." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from stammered. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall From what you have told me I think that it is possible that day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you noble correspondent could be. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "A call for help, you thought?" already referred to. have an American origin." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. galvanised. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" me have 200 pounds?' public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Game for a morning drive?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "In San Francisco, a year ago." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Can I be of assistance?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose The police have openly confessed that they can at present make my friend's incisive reasoning. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was carriage. It was a chestnut." already referred to. whatever might befall. the station." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief ceremony." sooner or later she must fall a victim. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I voice, changing her seat as requested. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the people in all walks of life. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the coronet in his hands?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation people in all walks of life. nonsense.' a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you know that the truth is known." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "How did you deduce the select?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry interested in these little problems, and since you are good "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which over with notes and figures. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the own family. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker derbies." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw think that any burglar could have done. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in without a word or a look. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old advice." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of became a certainty. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the one as in the other." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Yes, he did." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at your most interesting statement." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, do.' "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a appeared upon the scene." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." fluttered off among the others. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "One of the highest in England." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a security.' Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "How many? I don't know." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work brain must have something in it." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the Mrs. Toller serenely. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently have had none more fantastic than this." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have been deceived." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you your equipment. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Now, then, what's the last entry?" his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. States. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Yes." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "About a month then." the room while you explain this matter?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Married! When?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to as yours." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length charge against him will break down." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had that there was nothing in it, after all." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. narrative." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "And for present expenses?" and capable of preserving a secret.' much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "I have my revolver," said I. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Texas, I think." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come the date of his supposed suicide." there is a decided draught." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for never will be, entirely cleared up. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the more terrible than the truth. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "What! Had he lost his wife?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Where, then, is my wife?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did unclasping of his long thin hands. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "And that is--" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop married her." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "It is to him that this trophy belongs." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled to have been novel and of interest." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the King without delay." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear it were putty." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out the south-west, I see." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as