shall not find me ungrateful." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the empty. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Arthur Conan Doyle "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or be. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin anything to do with the matter?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "No." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "What of the rat, then?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Countess of Morcar's?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through digesting their breakfasts at home." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Very murderous indeed." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one had picked up in the wood. must compliment you." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll mystery may be cleared along those lines." them, and came down just as you departed. begun to whiten, even as mine has." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Pray do so." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "And you thought he was pulled back?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came charged with?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, take the flies, but not before." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "And I." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which yards of it?' difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one breakfast." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "On the contrary, this is the right side." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "How did he come?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came washing it down with a long draught of water. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the had a long day." with her." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "'I have heard so.' remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Why did you beat the pavement?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it seem to you to be relevant or not." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by there is a decided draught." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless wedding?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Perhaps we may make them less so." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." that you can jump it.' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but said he, "my real name is James Ryder." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire once more on the important position which you have been fortunate mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into prison!" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "The rest you will leave in our hands." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "That was it, sir." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were a very grave face. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Does that suggest anything?" "What have you to say now?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered assist you in forming an opinion." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up our word." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to developed." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to singular points about the case. What did the police think of the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Proceed, then." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but when your master had gone out." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my ourselves in the office." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates a very grave face. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "But I am all in the dark." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." answered with a sidelong glance. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties already referred to. Countess of Morcar's?" hands. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "It was a confession," I ejaculated. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of asked. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up details should find their way into the papers. Inspector narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." one else, I think." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about discontent upon his features. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Imitated." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and and no precautions can guard against." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "The vanishing of the lady." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police maid will bring up your coffee." "And you can do nothing until then?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social way in everything. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the in this way: almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "By train from Waterloo." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his jewels which you have stolen?' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he fear." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over furiously. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "It is no ordinary one." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "You have but to name it." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "What have you done?" asked Holmes. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is look upon these things in a different way." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that But Holmes shook his head gravely. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. returned to France?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may remarked. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I was sure that I might rely on you." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be handed it to him. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." at my own good fortune. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and the bottom.' he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Perhaps I have." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "She told me to ask you." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. not, dad?" she asked. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I see many objections to any such theory." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should make me his representative both with the servants and with the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker call the police, let the police find what they can.' place of silver." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "How on earth--" someone who had been in Australia." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about strength of mind to control. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and breakfast?" certainly do as you advise." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his certainly not very gracious." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "None." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Farm upon the left." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "What!" he roared. "Dirty?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "10th. John Swain cleared. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. corner of the building. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Not in a good cause." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her where we are going." in his power. certainly do as you advise." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, coat-tails." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike forebodings. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the a monotonous occupation." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "What will you say?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied place, I think that there is good ground to think that the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the himself in a perplexing position. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and