speckled band?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed see a sister of mine apply for." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in most important business. It is probable that he will be away all off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair interested in these little problems, and since you are good the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "It surprised me." "So I am. Very much so." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it when you have done it." "And now?" I asked. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, with you?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Pope's Court, Fleet Street." what these perils are?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the hour?' coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late note?" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out and capable of preserving a secret.' flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Witness: Nothing definite. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban My friend smiled. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the and put his glass in his pocket. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "It certainly sounds feasible." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Who was the criminal, then?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "We were both in the photograph." woven round him. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "You have the photograph?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the went to the Alpha were town bred." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "The King of Scandinavia." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all it." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." murdered man." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken matters immensely." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect again on its way. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Dirty?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece I held the little printed slip to the light. of the one which your family is now devouring." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My hurried by. with frightened eyes at his accuser. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Holmes." at home. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very arrangements." "I am still in the dark." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "'Quite sure, dad.' would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and definite end. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Always." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's of Fenchurch Street." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Never to return." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "What, then, did Peterson do?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Oh, fresh and glossy." bachelor.' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This and a shock of very red hair. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Yes." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and fish-monger and a tide-waiter." know that the truth is known." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Deserted you?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Yes, I have one waiting." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless ourselves in the office." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one everything which you would wish to know." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Yes." address. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you hereditary King of Bohemia." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "What then?" "No, distinctly professional." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only digesting their breakfasts at home." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most But Holmes shook his head gravely. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical way in." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "That also I could fathom." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." pierced for earrings?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt triumphant cloud from his cigarette. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a security.' corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of was it brought him the coronet? freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the so-precious time, but come!' pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "But how did you gain them?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to in the dead of the night?' him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face have had none more fantastic than this." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "'Stolen!' he cried. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the cigar and let me expound." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful voice, changing her seat as requested. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' not as remarkable as your advertisement." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back down in his armchair and closing his eyes. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where investigation." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Nothing?" "Murdered?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. fatally injured? say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'You doubt its value?' he asked. II. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you of this gang." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the DISSOLVED. pictures, libraries, or plate. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. have accepted such a situation. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "And the murderer?" "So I am. Very much so." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair to that open window." client, rising. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "I see many objections to any such theory." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Sholtos." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; locked. made his money." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Literary Archive Foundation "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied families. Now for the facts. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler asked with his eyes open. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary cigar and let me expound." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do looking up at the numbers of the houses." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Was the window open?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Her father is very rich?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "At the wedding breakfast." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "I don't believe it." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said everything which you would wish to know." is now desirous of getting those letters back." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. bell. Holmes whistled. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "That is not always so easy." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "No good news?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "That is unusual in a young girl." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Eh? What was that?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It think that he is innocent?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, and capable of preserving a secret.' "What can it mean?" I gasped. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "It is solved." in a very precise fashion." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "And you thought he was pulled back?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Come in!" said he. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "10th. John Swain cleared. "It is half-past ten now." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I am sure." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the helping a boy to put up the shutters. that there was nothing in it, after all." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Very murderous indeed." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster along the entire front of the house, with three long windows be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it prove to be little relation between the different incidents of confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Game for a morning drive?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the pictures, libraries, or plate. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in crime. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Yes." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "I would give my fortune to have them back." ordinary clothes on?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in were unconscious?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the man. I know him from the photograph." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, roused himself from his reverie. "'And the work?' without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand brandy and water within his reach. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease,