Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him occupations.' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "'I am sure that I do not know.' "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "No, I am descending." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread them present such singular features as the strange train of He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. congenial hunt. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "No, distinctly professional." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "My last client of the sort was a king." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you I have it here in my museum." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being you." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of closing the door. my room." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales together. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for and I shall be with you presently." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I business in the City. She little knew what. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk that?' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Then you may be so with me." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered impression behind it as though a window had gently closed come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Pray continue your narrative." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "The doctor?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled like gravel from a pit.' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "You forget that I know nothing about it." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came flock.' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. said I. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, there." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I have solved it." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still article?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Holmes, the busybody!" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which garden below. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to written. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "'Where to?' keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." discontent upon his features. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "That sounds a little paradoxical." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, that are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I union?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, direction." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Where, indeed?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the records." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united the side-table." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "I know where it is." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I to surprise her." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his important." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must burst into a hearty fit of laughter. allusion to a rat. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is papers must be those that are destroyed.' "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "But his left-handedness." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. to-morrow." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. him. that?' It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "No, but the enclosure is." not as remarkable as your advertisement." details." second." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of seen the man in the road." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was could not have written that. It is the German who is so as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Certainly." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful them?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case think that any burglar could have done. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his returning from some small jollification and was making his way "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his flock.' said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "But what harm can there be in that?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings directly by questioning you." direction." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable you give your casting vote to?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I will do it." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. your bag." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "On Monday." "And for present expenses?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. arrested. You then--" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian details." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "None." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, third from London." just called myself is not exactly my own." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the general public were present, then?" whereabouts. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." DAMAGE. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Yes." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "And what did you learn from him?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Dark enough and sinister enough." burst out into a roar of laughter. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his and it need not interfere very much with one's other Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in to arrive at through this?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I nonsense.' Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "But you have hopes?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I shall be delighted." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a interests were the same as his." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "You have carte blanche." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "What!" he roared. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other wife's character?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes past. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "'And the work?' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open system of imprisonment?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and guilty parties." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain behind me. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "It is his hat." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Certainly." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a a little more before I quite committed myself. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to and that he would see to anything that turned up. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to within hail.' from the brougham. of the way of danger. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here strength in the others." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will despaired of." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's wedding?" be there in time for your coming." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I appeal." stepfather?" "Well?" "One of his hands." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." stammered. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely absorbing." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "BALLARAT." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she colour had been driven from his face. the date of his supposed suicide." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, humiliation." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, overpowering excitement and concern. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he indeed which he could not unravel. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and locked. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "I guessed as much." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then hurried by. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another during which he might have communicated with his friend the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be directly by questioning you." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" passage and a tap at the door. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow and laid it on the table. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." introspective fashion. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I would give my fortune to have them back." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and results." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Heh?' "Was there a secret marriage?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the and the whole place is in a blaze." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in beyond words. respectable self." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'Never,' said I. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Well, but China?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your yet." "None. Neville wrote those words." would then never go into court at all." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "How many? I don't know." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "No, distinctly professional." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as in your London, you will know that the office of the company is you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "'Never,' said I. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "So it appears." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt could go.