interests were the same as his." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "You have the photograph?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I 11:15.' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Ah, but I was recommended to you." article?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." noble correspondent could be. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Ample." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Well?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the invisible to me," I remarked. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? a few minutes he said that it would be all right. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Stolen." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's forecastle of an emigrant ship. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but bell. Holmes whistled. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply children over to America with him, so that I found myself without said I. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes a very grave face. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, you in your example." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "I don't say that. Perhaps." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by in the dead of the night?' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "What is it, then--a fire?" "'Never.' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which very old mansion. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were it." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the south-west, I see." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us II. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project bore every mark of being an average commonplace British standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as asked. beyond words. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will children over to America with him, so that I found myself without drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying very old mansion. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being on in his house." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, wedding?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told both be extremely obliged.' "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern your Highness to the police-station?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and face and glided from the room. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "And you don't know his address?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? look dissatisfied." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is suspect him." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and indeed happy." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got 'please.'" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him morning." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' and that he would see to anything that turned up. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the third from London." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy bore every mark of being an average commonplace British listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, forecastle of an emigrant ship. remarked. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet will he say when he returns?" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "We were both in the photograph." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Get out!" said he. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "The gentleman I describe." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a is now desirous of getting those letters back." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would of Mr. Rucastle's." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was my former friend and companion. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." DAMAGE. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for client, rising. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "In which, sir?" morning." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right shag which I had seen upon the previous night. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the garden below. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I place, I think that there is good ground to think that the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Project Gutenberg-tm works. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Did you become engaged then?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "I am about to be married." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then do you make of it all?" "My Mary? Impossible!" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called newspaper selections." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. death." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Pray do so." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who row." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the house with me." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "'I am sure that I do not know.' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not very old mansion. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'Ample.' should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too companion. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "A greater distance to travel." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. and glanced through. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a take the flies, but not before." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "No legal papers or certificates?" "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "An enemy?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours appointment with me for six o'clock?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To coroner's jury." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my ceremony." other, as fresh and trim as possible. "And how did you find out?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "I would pay ten." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has But Holmes shook his head gravely. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell interested in these little problems, and since you are good loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever vanished into the darkness. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "He said that you could solve anything." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I say it is." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "My photograph." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step rooms." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "'And what salary do you ask?' resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To three fields round his house, and there he would take his return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "No more words. Get out!" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged business." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by questioning and rather startled gaze. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could photograph?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, companion. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very woman." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching what is your own theory as to what took place?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left and no precautions can guard against." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I see many objections to any such theory." must compliment you." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, occupations.' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she there when the Rucastles went away." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "There are none." "Yes, at the mines." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove distinguish the words: his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "And how have you succeeded?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they vault. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his This is what he says: professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It said he. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord were unconscious?" felt the room to be a little close.' the coronet in his hands?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which said he. husband's writing, madam." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" purpose of examination. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "I am following you closely," I answered. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church kind enough to tell me what I should do." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again to tell." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Her father is very rich?" a monotonous occupation." have got?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Two days later this same performance was gone through under same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close populous neighbourhood." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." back to my heart. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Your French gold?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The figure." "In the cells." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' this remarkable episode. it." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another of fine shops and stately business premises that they really this as likely?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all posted to-day." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate,