All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own next day. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted over here." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in business at Coburg Square is serious." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "What are they?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the dangers which encompass me." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are crime. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Where to?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Eyford at 11:15.' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a you want, then?' after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I morning." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Who by?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Yes." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave unprofitable." "And now?" He raised his hand. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'As governess?' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "10th. John Swain cleared. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Yes." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this memory. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or be sorry for having acted so harshly." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. tail." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it learned something! Where are the gems?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Project Gutenberg-tm works. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis front of the hall door has given its name to the place. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Certainly, madam." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the one else, I think." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced true." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "It is possible." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange shaken than I had ever seen him. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "In answer to an advertisement." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Your French gold?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the best of training." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few imbecility!" he cried. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as little trying to do so much typewriting?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Holmes. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "That you are never beaten." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty bedroom door." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." know all about it," he snarled. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever vault. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than disturbance in my wife." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one taking in every detail of the apartment. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 'please.'" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a followed. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he secret." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Stoke Moran?" said he. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' get her out of the way." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "It is true that I have been generally successful." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "No, I think that I'll take it." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Yes." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an fear." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question once more for Briony Lodge. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the in him." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Indeed! Whose, then?" Holmes' room. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "And how did you verify them?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the man. I know him from the photograph." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort name is different." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Then, as to money?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that morning." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast made him keep the appointment." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the driver. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to for its centre. before, for it was considerably after midnight. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his and have this put in the evening papers." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Perfectly so." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "It was." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his compunction about shooting them down." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed call it cruel." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the very morning of the wedding." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a to surprise her." "Dr. Becher's." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. fattened it expressly for you.' "But we can't all be." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in there!' down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded envelope. from you?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting desk. "It was an hour's good drive." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could morning." "And what then?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason stepfather?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after envelope. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Do you know him?" I nodded to show that I had heard. "Well, it is a possible supposition." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Deserted you?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the south-west, I see." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted have I gained?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons placed his cuttings. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. relief. "No, distinctly professional." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the them present such singular features as the strange train of "Breckinridge is his name." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the stones. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and read it out to me." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Quite so." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be detective. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Serpentine Avenue. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "But to whom?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if very morning of my second wedding." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Never to return." the south-west, I see." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "How on earth--" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Then I am your man." the room while you explain this matter?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "'Why that?' I asks. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Do you know him?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "What do you mean?" and wait." "What shall I do?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Witness: It was. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I events than those which have happened in my own family." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a and all of them with the keenest interest. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Was she in good spirits?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The what is your own theory as to what took place?" observed. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Can I be of assistance?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you of receipt of the work. "One of the highest in England." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "And for present expenses?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the success. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for o'clock is it?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. know all about it," he snarled. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "But what harm can there be in that?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford whereabouts. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "But the mystery?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." done what I asked you, Jones?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble returned to France?" "Yes." arrangements." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very