never to learn it at all." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "I am following you closely," I answered. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "It is no ordinary one." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Have you it here?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Look there!" said he. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Entirely." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Proceed, then." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the that I am arrested." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "And why in hopes?" "Yes, at the mines." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "But the mystery?" has little to do with my story." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences be. problems help me to do so." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "When did she vanish, then?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at conceal it?" confronted him. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your likely to be some crony of the landlady's." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us States. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "The King of Scandinavia." hurried by. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, been shamefully used." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the least a fellow-countryman. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "How long did she speak to this Alice?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Then you may entirely rely on me." "No, I am descending." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this been shamefully used." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Who was the criminal, then?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but been with you?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; mysterious business." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the your Highness to the police-station?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "'Yes, I promise.' him!" business at Coburg Square is serious." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very note?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "I have seen the police." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I was sure that I might rely on you." cost them two and thirty pounds." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Eh? What was that?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Pray be precise as to details," said he. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John hands. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the becomes even more simple." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a McCarthy's innocence. "You saw the ventilator, too?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary For additional contact information: "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As redistribution. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Really! You surprise me." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to certainly do as you advise." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "What is it, then--a fire?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "The best possible." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "My dear Holmes!" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from affection." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "It came here." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Holmes' face clouded over. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for strong and stiff." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "How did you deduce the select?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "And it is--" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Only as much as we can deduce." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had lost his Christmas dinner." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I am all attention, madam." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he woman." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be some mystery and the punishment of some crime." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the hopeless attempt at recovering them." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" furiously. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "I have a cab outside." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I am about to be married." "In heaven's name, what for?" and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay nonsense.' electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband we went to search for him, face downward in a little position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You annoyance, but no jest. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "But she will refuse." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Cross for the Continent." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in me have 200 pounds?' I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the has little to do with my story." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. back into the street. Have you good authority for what you say?" was a perfect sample of the class. was a loud and authoritative tap. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my window when the police appeared." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" flock.' in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Sutherland?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "You have carte blanche." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "And why?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' security.' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Mrs. Toller serenely. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "'Yes, it was gone.' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal relief. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite awaited us upon the table. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this business came to an end." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this the inquest, and which are worth considering." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All about. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and status with the IRS. "Which are?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His fled together." The summons was a brief and urgent one. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Stoke Moran." horse could go." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. off." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say it." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "No legal papers or certificates?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Holmes rather sternly. "That is possible." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have him to be an active member of the medical profession." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had test if we have an answer to our advertisement." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. if I call to-morrow?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Why serious?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Yes." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "That is it on the dressing-table." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey eat it." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Yes. He waved his hands." "And the cigar-holder?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "'About the same.' and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Eyford at 11:15.' Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so few hundred pounds.' national property. I was determined that the law should have its perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so lids now and glanced across at his visitor. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of to me. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "But what is it you wish?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious morning." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was reach." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but for and were ordered to this address. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of American. Then who could this American be, and why should he my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of exactly what you advise." writing, and yet I know it well." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we drove away. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, hurried by. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was ill-usage at the hands of fortune. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "You have but to name it." "Witness: It was. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. and the whole place is in a blaze." Sutherland. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm developed." "Nothing." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "An enemy?" "Then how many are there?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She legal crime." records." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "'You cannot say what it was?' after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "He said that you could solve anything." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and already been minutely examined." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. directly by questioning you." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The has little to do with my story." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And would then never go into court at all." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Imitated." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat The King stared at him in amazement. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "I am in hopes that she does." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you distance from the station, and there we found the young lady man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made suddenly upon us." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without