touch that coronet?' Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Just look it up, then." were wasted." confronted him. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round like that before?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "What then?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house absolutely follow my advice in every respect." a suggestive one." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely look upon these things in a different way." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in are, and they are waiting for us." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "'Yes, I promise.' wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Surrey." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to despaired of." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. some city in a dream. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the room while you explain this matter?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me What do you deduce from it?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for points to suicide?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Pray do so." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length you." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Breckinridge is his name." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a more solid." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for a suggestive one." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to amused." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "And leave your case unfinished?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "We were both in the photograph." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account astonishment. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a people don't know." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was strange features which were associated with the two crimes which copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Perhaps we may make them less so." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after see a sister of mine apply for." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, mysterious end." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Has he come with you to-night?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he nonsense.' possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have which it had come upon my father." that I am arrested." "What do you mean?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "So I heard. You have him here?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "There is the writing." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "You forget that I know nothing about it." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that not fit the lock." seven miles from Eyford Station.' been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box what is your own theory as to what took place?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "'About the same.' must compliment you." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have arms and began to sob in a high treble key. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I think that it is very probable." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Then you may entirely rely on me." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Precisely." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his your sleep?' Mrs. Toller serenely. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She the south-west, I see." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, and looked back. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "I cannot tell." overpowering excitement and concern. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal definite end. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards into the bag, and made for the door. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he suspect him." DAMAGE. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Pray let us have it, for all that." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I never have." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: away to you." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it undoubtedly my uncle's." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the night.' "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to yet." "Of what day?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "'Very good.' they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch awkward doing business with an alias." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a meanly of me." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, the one as in the other." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I yourselves in at night?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar McCarthy's innocence. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the wife's character?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a the roots. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "He is still with you, I presume?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Not in the least." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who likely to be some crony of the landlady's." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "But what harm can there be in that?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "No more words. Get out!" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the so far?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so I leave." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "You know me, then?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "And how did you verify them?" "Perfectly so." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town subject to the trademark license, especially commercial professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had carried out of court." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger least a fellow-countryman. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was had a long day." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of wanted for ourselves." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet villagers almost as much as their master. brandy and water within his reach. the night.' lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I is now desirous of getting those letters back." just ask you whether you had heard it.' at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both hardly wander." "Do you know him?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but and the church but not where the lady lived." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and License. You must require such a user to return or "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "What! Had he lost his wife?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would see me here to avoid scandal." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and photograph?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you wedding?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the where we are going." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if ready to-morrow?' "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil morning." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Oh, fresh and glossy." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Eyford." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less pictures, libraries, or plate. questionable one." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up particular state visit http://pglaf.org livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Yes. He waved his hands." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an important." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the inquest, and which are worth considering." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the just called myself is not exactly my own." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly cigar and let me expound." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately to his chemical studies. "Witness: I must still refuse. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my before the coroner and the police-court." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was was keenly on my guard against him. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Pool. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down time." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "'Most admirably.' strength." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I am sure." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A that he will be back before evening." better grown goose." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "But the mystery?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem not personally threatened." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears McCarthy's innocence. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself in my life." looking up at the numbers of the houses." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the so-precious time, but come!' The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads of a light. this Miss Turner." Mrs. Toller serenely. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him The note was undated, and without either signature or address. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to carpenter." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "One of the highest in England." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he absolutely follow my advice in every respect." matter over." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "It looks newer than the other things?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, point in the dark hollow of his hand. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike business in the City. She little knew what. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his