"That sounds a little paradoxical." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "I am to be neutral?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Your French gold?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with for and were ordered to this address. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you past. interested in these little problems, and since you are good "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own chance." "'Never,' said I. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the she to prove their authenticity?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up bonnet, and went out." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Never to return." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Yes, certainly." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" to change my dress. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "The rest you will leave in our hands." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. experiences." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Heh?' fish-monger and a tide-waiter." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "I will do it." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the Friday. Was it to be in church?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Have you it here?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "But she will refuse." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "'Certainly,' I answered. "Was she in good spirits?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend just ask you whether you had heard it.' something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid cigars in their mouths. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "What have you done?" asked Holmes. soul! here is her carriage at the door." which we had just quitted. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "What of the rat, then?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "You did not overhear what they said?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "On the contrary, this is the right side." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "No, I think that I'll take it." "On the contrary, this is the right side." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your prepare for the new role I have to play." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Was she in good spirits?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped you in your example." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon yet." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, quickly through a disagreeable task. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. in darkness. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "You were travelling in the States?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against excitement. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished him and tried to hold him back. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a success. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time upon an income of about 60 pounds." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "And now?" He raised his hand. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "You have carte blanche." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of minor matters until to-morrow." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Not in a good cause." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every from you?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet over part of the map. "What do you read?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under License. You must require such a user to return or "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. dates and names. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Yes, sir." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two everything which you would wish to know." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third a suggestive one." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost hard-headed British jury." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Sutherland. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand hour." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I companion. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "My Mary? Impossible!" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "My dear Holmes!" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in shoulder. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "The vanishing of the lady." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore felt?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly formed some opinion?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was foresight and the moral retrogression?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Pool. "Deserted you?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the question. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Her father is very rich?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "You have compromised yourself seriously." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and paper in the air. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "And how have you succeeded?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "It was." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must useful material for showing traces. The double line a little into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Well?" have I gained?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and him and tried to hold him back. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Where to?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "At the wedding breakfast." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the night.' said he. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "You horrify me!" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us What do you deduce from it?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right than was visible to me." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "He is still with you, I presume?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Lee, in the county of Kent." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and inquire as to the address." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'Certainly not.' and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "So I am. Very much so." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell third from London." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "I would pay ten." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "At what time?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, this remarkable episode. "But it has twice been burgled." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting cup of tea. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was with you?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they made him keep the appointment." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Why did you beat the pavement?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'Yes, I promise.' such attractions and accomplishments?' paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the that I can to serve you." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in appointment with me for six o'clock?" spark where all is dark to me." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the inner apartment." meanly of me." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face the stones. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Was she in good spirits?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to main points of my analysis." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this which should have the effect of calling the attention of the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress opened the door, and slipped through. appeared upon the scene." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of had no one to advise her at such a crisis." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the crowd. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he The note was undated, and without either signature or address. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as four million human beings all jostling each other within the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached indiscretion." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "And how did you find out?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at have got?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" it." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend gone. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "It was." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. might help us?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "I cannot think." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Dark enough and sinister enough." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your fat-encircled eyes. believe that I should never have any practice at all. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "In which, sir?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it may never be exposed to such a temptation." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "On your arm?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to looking up at the numbers of the houses." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train fashion which was peculiar to him. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "He said too much." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he go--none." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had affection." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is