"Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Have you it here?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That advice." "I don't say that. Perhaps." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton maiden herself was most instructive." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the inquest, and which are worth considering." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "It is his hat." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem giving me time to thank him. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "How did that help you?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big towards the blaze. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: cigar and let me expound." if only as a check to my own memory." "It certainly sounds feasible." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the is," said he presently: without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the your co-operation." whereabouts. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Munro.' Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about views." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your that he will be back before evening." "Very truly yours, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Not yet." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in neither fascinating nor artistic." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel burst into a hearty fit of laughter. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, brain must have something in it." "I cannot say that I have." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside business in the City. She little knew what. "10th. John Swain cleared. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he words came to my lips. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the it right.' that threaten you." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or said he. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my when your master had gone out." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man for securing the situation." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry results." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you shag which I had seen upon the previous night. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the such attractions and accomplishments?' "I think that it is very probable." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a there were one or two details which were new to me. But the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "But you can know nothing of this?" "Come in!" said Holmes. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to said he. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott floor. photograph a cabinet?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his footfalls from the street. are, I think, all that we need." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Yes. He waved his hands." "'It is locked up,' I answered. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with you." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "But how will you look?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "She walked into the breakfast-room." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "She told me to ask you." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There was not a bird to be seen there. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said take the flies, but not before." a very grave face. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Why, what do you mean?" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "'What do you call purely nominal?' feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the very letters. But what is this written above them?' that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob business at Coburg Square is serious." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be me." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm learned something! Where are the gems?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the very morning of the wedding." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Could he throw no light?" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I instituted." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND in your London, you will know that the office of the company is some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "One?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his did not hear it also.' call it cruel." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "I came to find a friend." "No?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." future lives." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the window, rose as we entered. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while again, where I was soon asleep. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "What will you do, then?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Holmes rather sternly. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, memory. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This begun to whiten, even as mine has." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll stood on the top of it. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "On the contrary, this is the right side." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir guilty one." "I answered that I had not. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a death." over part of the map. "What do you read?" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "An accident, I presume?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at people in all walks of life. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. promised to bring home. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The what these perils are?" the Red-headed League." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with bore every mark of being an average commonplace British to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak over here." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Holmes' room. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "You think so, too?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Why did you beat the pavement?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I will not look." horse could go." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, felt?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Holmes. "Dirty?" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened three fields round his house, and there he would take his heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "And you thought he was pulled back?" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove second." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' yet." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination burst out into a roar of laughter. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Married! When?" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. once more. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "But how?" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" fact, we may call it conclusive." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" foot. time." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful him to go away.' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and writers could invent nothing more crude." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "His face fell immediately. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, hard-headed British jury." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and enter Dr. Roylott's room." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told side. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Not in the least." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." lumber-room." your co-operation." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have there is a decided draught." cause to be." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, think that any burglar could have done. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution in a friendly supper." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over wedding?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "And did you observe any change in her then?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "She told me to ask you." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of and no precautions can guard against." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned chance at all." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Where does the thing come from?' as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though amused." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an copied or distributed: rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, were new raised from a basin. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to them?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "I have my revolver," said I. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My delighted to hear it," he said. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of colour had been driven from his face. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these papers." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We depend upon my doing so.' "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as least a most suspicious remark." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his pity, because in other respects you would really have done very nice household for a young lady." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, read over the extraordinary announcement. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. matter." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "'Not at all. I only doubt--' prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at nice household for a young lady." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in of this gang." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the one else, I think." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "And you can do nothing until then?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not me. You must get home instantly and act." "10th. John Swain cleared. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Stoke Moran." amused." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable have accepted such a situation. "And how have you succeeded?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon