the dangers which encompass me." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would at once, for I have only half an hour." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "I am sure." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock business." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** better in every way that they should make their position a little presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was prepare for the new role I have to play." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and have had none more fantastic than this." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "His face fell immediately. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Yes, that is the Crown." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his did not hear it also.' the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from said Mr. Holder. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Sutherland?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the your equipment. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we to have been novel and of interest." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a closing the door. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Eh? What was that?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few words came to my lips. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Won't it ring?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "How can you tell that?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "No, I think that I'll take it." "By no means." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, forecastle of an emigrant ship. "But the mystery?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce humiliation." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Married! When?" dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Can I be of assistance?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'Yes.' chill to my heart. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "You know me, then?" outbreak?" pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" at a side door. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I will get her to show me." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Well." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a I have it here in my museum." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Was she in good spirits?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." I took the paper from him and read as follows: explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the which our visitor detailed to us. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time The events in question occurred in the early days of my than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "My dear Holmes!" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. awkward doing business with an alias." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately you." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Could he throw no light?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "It was." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "And how did he make his money?" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual his knees, staring into the fire. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was it were putty." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the it with his own hands." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "That is not always so easy." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of gigantic client. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "But I have heard all that you have heard." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my light and attacked it." "So I heard. You have him here?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "'Never,' said I. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind chemical work which was so dear to him. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several that you can jump it.' at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but the window, rose as we entered. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "You have carte blanche." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I guessed as much." stood on the top of it. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "BALLARAT." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "It is true that I have been generally successful." prepare for the new role I have to play." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me placed his cuttings. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and look upon these things in a different way." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I answered that I had not. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." III. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was think that any burglar could have done. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "What do you mean?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. strength of mind to control. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "What I expected to see." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just could gather together that I was able to avert another public first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." it. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was his eyes and forehead. "Upon what point?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." strength." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Then, how do you know?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll must compliment you." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, arrested. You then--" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. enter into my head. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Murdered?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have should be taken.' word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a nothing with him." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and look dissatisfied." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of affection." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away brain must have something in it." heavily into it. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile call the police, let the police find what they can.' laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary annoyance, but no jest. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the how narrow had been my escape. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "'Oh, no.' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "You think that he is dead?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go then?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a and the colonel ushered me in. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a without a word or a look. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would strange features which were associated with the two crimes which forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no acquaintance?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the side-table." "But the mystery?" constraint." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the whereabouts. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Seven!" I answered. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "What then?" and I shall be with you presently." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Certainly." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "You know me, then?" "But how?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had stammered. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Doctor, of the paper and the date." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. foot. cigars in their mouths. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. peculiar to him. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than seen the man in the road." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "But you were on a friendly footing?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "No, but the enclosure is." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see during which he might have communicated with his friend the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Very murderous indeed." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece But Holmes shook his head gravely. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "'Then let me do so?' charged with?" was a lad." "'How far from the body?' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this door?" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Breckinridge is his name." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "It is solved." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black to change my dress. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "And did you observe any change in her then?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Then the page we have seen--" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." will he say when he returns?" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." seven miles from Eyford Station.' fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "What will you say?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so