afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to during which he might have communicated with his friend the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before stood on the top of it. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow sound at heart." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. where we are going." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "And how in the world did you find them?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Then I can wait in the next room." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a October 9, 1890. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Mary, has deserted me." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "By train from Waterloo." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day in his hands." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you in. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the said I. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Yesterday." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my started for the Temple to see my husband. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. friends, not even his own brother. one of them." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "How often?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you because she had spent so short a time in this country that she might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "But how?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is 11:15.' hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming I. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "She walked into the breakfast-room." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "He might." a monotonous occupation." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off begun to whiten, even as mine has." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "What can you not understand?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to do." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This empty. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will more terrible than the truth. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the only touch the interest." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three this as likely?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "And why?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of morning." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Pray be precise as to details," said he. it with his own hands." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "This photograph!" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: read it out to me." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first room?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "It is possible." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your good-night and bustled off upon her way. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I have hopes." never will be, entirely cleared up. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the best of training." burst out into a roar of laughter. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Where to?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "That is easily got." shall not find me ungrateful." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an acquaintance?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Where does the thing come from?' "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own never will be, entirely cleared up. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "He said too much." "How many? I don't know." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "What is it?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Then, how do you know?" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "So I have heard." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so had a long day." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat made him keep the appointment." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which indeed happy." his forehead." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your fasten all the windows?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "'I am sure if I had known--' "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my and looked back. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "'Certainly not.' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Oh, the cause is excellent!" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me in this note: God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "My dear Holmes!" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Very murderous indeed." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to following enigmatical notices: He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which was already answered. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, footfalls from the street. outsides of the windows. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and The King stared at him in amazement. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his sparkled upon his finger. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the again." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, laugh and put his lips to my ear. with the outside air!" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'There is a drive, then?' of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "It looks newer than the other things?" call you and give you the chance." the date of his supposed suicide." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "How did you trace it, then?" parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Then I am your man." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "It must be recovered." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it outbreak?" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently detective. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which crowd. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for considering the formidable letters which were received by himself four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to I shall communicate with you." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found yourselves in at night?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Who by?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal read over the extraordinary announcement. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler his knees, staring into the fire. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish became a certainty. done what I asked you, Jones?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "The Coroner: What do you mean? course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which of the efforts of the United States government and of the better figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I mysterious end." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room his wife has ceased to love him." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I child?' never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and villagers almost as much as their master. chamber." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is again on its way. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. girl said." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the man. I know him from the photograph." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "'In my own bureau.' allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Of Friday, June 19th." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will characteristics, but those are the more obvious." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, carpenter." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock in your London, you will know that the office of the company is As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "And what did you learn from him?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter weigh very heavily upon my conscience." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it License. You must require such a user to return or so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her carried out of court." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." maid will bring up your coffee." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in it? Did I buy the geese off you?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "It is solved." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Yes, I have one waiting." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "And you thought he was pulled back?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "And Irene Adler?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and whether it answered to the description of any of their cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "By train from Waterloo." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are DISSOLVED. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "When did she vanish, then?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat gone. tell me that you intended to go into harness." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "What?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I girl said." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is ways of our fellow-men." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. best detective that ever lived. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "But his lameness?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far