Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and since then to throw any light upon what became of him." father's young wife. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "He is dead," cried several voices. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the John Swain, of St. Augustine. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "It is very kind of you." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming ourselves in the office." fat-encircled eyes. gentleman's clothes. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly singular points about the case. What did the police think of the geese which you supplied to the Alpha." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even an introduction to him?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Witness: Nothing definite. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the some city in a dream. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'And what are they worth?' I asked. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Why serious?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left locked." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Yes. He waved his hands." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. acquaintance?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. License. You must require such a user to return or "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be thirty. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases him." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and six. Come in!" "Entirely." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this their singular warning or token before them when starting upon was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he all-comprehensive glances. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. over part of the map. "What do you read?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good bachelor.' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Pool. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter are windows in it, of course?" "And why?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" to-night." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement fasten all the windows?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'Certainly not.' "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "I say it is." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he sit on the left-hand side of the driver." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "The Cedars?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood this remarkable episode. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite a room. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the of them has the shutters up.' "No, distinctly professional." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Could he throw no light?" "The best possible." appointment with me for six o'clock?" and glanced through. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Always." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Yes, the wine-cellar." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had that threaten you." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Did he not advertise?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, gone. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of begin with, and I had not got mine yet." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I saw her in conversation with her maid." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "You'll never persuade me to believe that." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "What then?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. present." "Tired-looking or fresh?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the you." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly cup of tea. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "None." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Tired-looking or fresh?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her rooms." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I am still in the dark." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about yet." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor went to the Alpha were town bred." as he remarks, very much against the son." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Her father is very rich?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Nothing." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called respectable self." walking." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "'Stolen!' he cried. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the other lovers by making love himself." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "From his hat?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "'Yes, sir.' "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with chemical work which was so dear to him. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't silent! Oh, he will be silent!' desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Leadenhall Street--and--" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, late!' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "You are certainly joking, Holmes." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "A greater distance to travel." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "That is unusual in a young girl." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the you do it in twenty minutes!' the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. over part of the map. "What do you read?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do with the outside air!" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "ARAT," I read. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the night.' kind enough to tell me what I should do." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' for and were ordered to this address. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I am following you closely," I answered. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she been anything against him. He had for years been known as a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so My friend smiled. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a it. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' your own bird, so if you wish--" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. interested in these little problems, and since you are good could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little few hundred pounds.' hardly wander." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I him nearly every evening." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "And how have you succeeded?" at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I there in twenty minutes." prepare for the new role I have to play." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." to a more successful conclusion." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more information in his hands the value of which he did not himself certainly not very gracious." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the matter?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "And how?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I himself in a perplexing position. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, open." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Stolen, then." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and fire. You quite follow me?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. it." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the nursery. do.' came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of advice." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a me have 200 pounds?' "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. in his power. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, opportunities to fix the problem. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but my room." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time too. becomes even more simple." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in But Holmes shook his head gravely. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Then you may be so with me." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "That also I could fathom." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he I shall continue with my miserable story. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' and have this put in the evening papers." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the child?' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Yes?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read copied or distributed: the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very comes from the middle window." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your business." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and photograph a cabinet?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of to that open window." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is as he folded up the epistle. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Yes, from Horsham." ready to-morrow?' dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Chief Executive and Director "Which are?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things This is what he says: when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father quickly through a disagreeable task. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated