trying to your nerves." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "By train from Waterloo." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, noble correspondent could be. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an quick march!" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves national property. I was determined that the law should have its his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Yes." Mary, has deserted me." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Imitated." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I ceremony." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Nothing?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have that he will be back before evening." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Never." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Well, but China?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the this unhappy family?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "What! a murderous attack?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he shoulder; "he's all right." that he has suffered." murdered man." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I interested in these little problems, and since you are good correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we spark where all is dark to me." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "A thing like a cleaver," said he. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" discontent upon his features. indiscretion." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. is acting for the best. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest to tackle the facts." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "What will you do, then?" hardly wander." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "No legal papers or certificates?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "But she will refuse." page at http://pglaf.org Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I do." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'I have heard so.' analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "No bad?" "Precisely." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." business?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Proceed, then." "And why?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "We have tried and failed." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "An enemy?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "And how?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press had no one to advise her at such a crisis." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had your only hope of safety." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his thought that she would have been so carried away." as yours." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "My last client of the sort was a king." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "If I can be of use." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive already been minutely examined." "What of the rat, then?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right sound at heart." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "But how did you gain them?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be existence." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a other, as fresh and trim as possible. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, said I. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I answered that I had not. allusion to a rat. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened you came in." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Well." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in grasp, he hurried from the room. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "To ruin me." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "You think that he is dead?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" seem to you to be relevant or not." to change my dress. union?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same before, for it was considerably after midnight. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "No." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I I leave." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said said I. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "It is his hat." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I It was close upon four before the door opened, and a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a suspect him." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream mystery may be cleared along those lines." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the a room. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it and all of them with the keenest interest. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately train from Paddington which would bring you there at about detective. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" to Leatherhead. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." outbreak?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." himself. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was standing smiling on the door-step. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were and inquire as to the address." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she which are rolled in Rotterdam." your most interesting statement." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Stoke Moran?" said he. your troubles." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, there." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me was lame." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "That also I could fathom." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "The doctor?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "How on earth--" from the brougham. "That also I could fathom." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said quickly through a disagreeable task. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened she has been waylaid. There has been no result." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my young Openshaw's." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my washing it down with a long draught of water. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do woven round him. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which the window, rose as we entered. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his outbreak?" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now vanished into the darkness. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in more terrible than the truth. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the telegram would bring me down to your help." DAMAGE. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at and wait." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Then, how do you know?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an place of silver." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if thin legs towards the fire. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of there." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. woman." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City upon the sideboard." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and which should have the effect of calling the attention of the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "One?" the Red-headed League." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Do you go out much in society?" Countess of Morcar's?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Yes?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "No, I had a dozen." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the on re-entering her father's house?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Yes, only one." "'I have already given you my word.' elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Very. But will he see it?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Very truly yours, "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider some place of shelter and let the county police know what has him!" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'It is locked up,' I answered. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves together. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "I am armed." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by that I am arrested." ashen face. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, events than those which have happened in my own family." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, writers could invent nothing more crude." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand business." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from distinguish the words: to take care of herself." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I together. "Where is it, then?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Precisely." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and look dissatisfied." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from and capable of preserving a secret.' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." appeal." go from here to the Strand." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' made his money." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. be. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Why, what do you mean?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Oh, yes, easily." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "The King of Scandinavia." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the hereditary King of Bohemia." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'Ten to two.' the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to unkempt, staring out at me. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided.