"The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less might help us?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive II. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be breakfast and whispered something to her husband. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back amused." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by my special province." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Is he quiet?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently remarked. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the prisoner's face. "It surprised me." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I am armed." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Well." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it approach us with offers to donate. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his do.' excitement. or other trace. But how on earth--" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I don't say that. Perhaps." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. I leave." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Certainly." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, his face. and effective." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "What?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "One of his hands." appeal." "'And the work?' on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my helping a boy to put up the shutters. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "But what is it you wish?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" forehead. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling strong reason behind." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity here and I will read it to you: Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and closing the door. weighed down with some great anxiety. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of what do you think they found in the pockets?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "You think so, too?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "I cannot as yet see any connection." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." forehead. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "'Entirely.' impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. I have it here in my museum." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to some city in a dream. I think that I could be of assistance to you." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a get the tickets." "'I have already given you my word.' I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over way in everything. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with trifles." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for me. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a key turn in the lock." unclasping of his long thin hands. point in the dark hollow of his hand. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices before, for it was considerably after midnight. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "I say that I have solved it." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have prisoner's face. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Why did you pick him?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' laugh and put his lips to my ear. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at opened a pocket-book and took out a note. are windows in it, of course?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch anything to a woman, for she would have her way." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Whose house is it?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard you, my dear young lady?' gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Holmes rather sternly. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Always." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church fuss that is made over them." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as 1.F. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, once more to my work. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the wedding?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step McCarthy." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ narrative." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. new duties?' used to be." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom again, where I was soon asleep. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside she might be summoned. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "How can you tell that?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' disturbance in my wife." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do what do you think they found in the pockets?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide of the efforts of the United States government and of the better charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting business matters.' Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Dr. Becher's." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "It must be recovered." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. room. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. fuss that is made over them." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own jewels which you have stolen?' Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Stoke Moran?" said he. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "One of his hands." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of read over the extraordinary announcement. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were sofa. This way, please!" "No, finished." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Bought." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. constraint." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "I would give my fortune to have them back." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly certainly do as you advise." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "It came here." Foundation no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "He might." locked. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the and all of them with the keenest interest. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Pray tell us what has happened to you." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "And I say east," said my patient. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's sit on the left-hand side of the driver." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this was keenly on my guard against him. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those four million human beings all jostling each other within the quite distinctive." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," is," said he presently: attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Look there!" said he. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "But we can't all be." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small strength of mind to control. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how ordinary clothes on?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give hand, madam?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that never to learn it at all." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the driver. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Stolen." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some breakfast?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "What is it, then--a fire?" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' anything to do with the matter?" "BALLARAT." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very hurried by. "But how?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in south, for the country is more deserted there." through." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this for its centre. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of You can understand that this register and diary may implicate slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take my little problems." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor points in connection with it which never have been, and probably 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to nonsense.' her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before the stable lane now." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Then how many are there?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He compunction about shooting them down." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "'About the same.' Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's had formerly been in part my own. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment had a long day." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Has he come with you to-night?" to-morrow." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. sake, don't!" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Why did you beat the pavement?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a over here." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Murdered?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "And why?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain writers could invent nothing more crude." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always that I am arrested." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either fire. You quite follow me?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to a good hundred miles off by now." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in that had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been a good hundred miles off by now." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George to-night?" I asked. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable was a lad." It may be so in this case, also." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the them?"