peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' he. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of closing the door. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'Why that?' I asks. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; always that they were such commands as a lady might with Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "In heaven's name, what for?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me amused." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "The knees of his trousers." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Ample." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "And on what day did he meet his death?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you here." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could look dissatisfied." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. was used.' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "I should like to see him very much." "That sounds a little paradoxical." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself coroner's jury." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be to a light-house. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. that he has suffered." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Never." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all if I call to-morrow?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at strong reason behind." "That's no good." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his eat it." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "You are all wrong." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "9th. McCauley cleared. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him experiences." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the several quiet little villages up there." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Pool. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded these bleak autumnal evenings." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it stood on the top of it. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution so far?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "I don't say that. Perhaps." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Yes, it was twisted." your bag." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I answered that I had not. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "'You cannot say what it was?' named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked tell him that I know him to be innocent." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face companion. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning himself to hunt down. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "I saw her in conversation with her maid." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of them, and came down just as you departed. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'How far from the body?' daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, enough to aid us in our search." do.' "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Certainly, madam." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "'Certainly not.' the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "In San Francisco, a year ago." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Married! When?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was your co-operation." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the inner apartment." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Why, what do you mean?" to-morrow." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I direction." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "What is it, then--a fire?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the interest. They are important, you understand, without being would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "When did she vanish, then?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Quite so." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried you in your example." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "And you can do nothing until then?" http://gutenberg.net/license). remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Of Friday, June 19th." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis fasten all the windows?" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "And help." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the warnings." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the be there in time for your coming." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 do you make of it all?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Could he throw no light?" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back with you?" "It is his hat." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. the so-precious time, but come!' "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I it. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little his huge brown hands. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend someone who had been in Australia." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Serpentine Avenue. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At both be extremely obliged.' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let until night should bring an explanation. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst said I. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has unprecedented a position." "That is possible." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "My dear Holmes!" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in late!' WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "But we can't all be." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw chance at all." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! situation." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Pool. secret." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "She will not sell." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where fuss that is made over them." the King without delay." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just floor. "'Yes, I promise.' way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague fat-encircled eyes. behind me. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster walking." time." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. entirely lost his self-respect." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of with frightened eyes at his accuser. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he information in his hands the value of which he did not himself princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining telegram would bring me down to your help." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with was shining brightly. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to are windows in it, of course?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me occurred." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "I cannot tell." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "The murder was done with it." child?' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here there!' "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have drawing your inferences." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." voice. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. cigars in the box." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what of Fenchurch Street." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for himself in a perplexing position. "I was sure that I might rely on you." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the sofa. This way, please!" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned promised to bring home. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall help us in this matter." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, II. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "This photograph!" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the little opening for the ventilator is." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might