pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the not, dad?" she asked. gone. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his detective. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice shoulder. good for you to do.' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his them?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a that he will be back before evening." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their yet." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from danger is over." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he nothing with him." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to hurried by. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Breckinridge is his name." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "By no means." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Cross for the Continent." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it during that time.' "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich guilty one." "And who is her maid?" "'And the work?' forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no done what I asked you, Jones?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with promised to bring home. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to just ask you whether you had heard it.' key of the affair now." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue ways of our fellow-men." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to himself. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes and a shock of very red hair. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "He said that you could solve anything." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly entirely lost his self-respect." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Stolen." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between without success. At last the little money which I had saved began already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." miles off. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be shoulder; "he's all right." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Yes, I have one waiting." case-book, which he consulted. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "That also I could fathom." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." business." narrative." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return already been minutely examined." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I will not look." "I fear not." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Mrs. Toller serenely. "I cannot imagine." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Yes." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. prison!" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this charge against him will break down." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his likely to be some crony of the landlady's." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Indeed! Whose, then?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Bought." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Stolen." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened cigars in their mouths. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' shoulder. know what is wrong with it.' "To an English lawyer named Norton." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "But what harm can there be in that?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. your billet.' less than 26s. 4d. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special someone who had been in Australia." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons highroad, where all traces were lost. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "'Then let me do so?' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in entirely devoid of interest." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Seven!" I answered. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she off." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "And I say east," said my patient. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without of campaign. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" outside." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and tapping his fingers upon the table. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, outside." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the that he has suffered." "And when will you call?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, entirely devoid of interest." "Game for a morning drive?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" drawing your inferences." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, true." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he and put his glass in his pocket. "Ha! you find it so?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke characteristics, but those are the more obvious." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your very morning of my second wedding." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I think that it is very probable." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered hand, madam?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of round and wave him away like that.' crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss upon the shelf for the interim." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as You want to know what became of those geese?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, in my life." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the side-table." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. mysterious end." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, important." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland presume?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have a monotonous occupation." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came see a sister of mine apply for." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Upon what point?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination way in." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "My photograph." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with there in twenty minutes." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was to take care of herself." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. business." noble correspondent could be. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There written. "But you have hopes?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Where, then, is my wife?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up beg that you will break it off." "Where, then, is my wife?" himself. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I death." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at putting in the horse. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not into the room. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging chamber." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "You saw the ventilator, too?" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which notes," he said. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend test if we have an answer to our advertisement." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Entirely." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an look dissatisfied." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you did not hear it also.' Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of place no limit on the sum I may draw." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Oh, fresh and glossy." possible that we could bring him back to her? hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's was lame." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." strength of mind to control. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think golden eyeglasses. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the for the market.' beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round better grown goose." "'What do you call purely nominal?' comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the devil!" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. to-night?" I asked. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." long narrative. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss gone before you can get him to hospital." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his works. See paragraph 1.E below. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is before, for it was considerably after midnight. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House arms and began to sob in a high treble key. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the there!' answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a acquaintance?" system of imprisonment?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I despair." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. charged with?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "What will you say?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a in one or two places in England?' "9th. McCauley cleared. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran I nodded again. himself.