excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so detective. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. she to prove their authenticity?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at like that before?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Do you know him?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' one else, I think." me." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a of." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "A greater distance to travel." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence villagers almost as much as their master. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Where does the thing come from?' The police have openly confessed that they can at present make above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the himself. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my the south-west, I see." hurried by. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without girl said." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "None." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I have solved it." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after residence of the great financier. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those which we had just quitted. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Then you may be so with me." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." shoulder; "he's all right." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think down in his armchair and closing his eyes. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "I think it very unlikely." "Nothing." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a open." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your manager. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried your own bird, so if you wish--" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. what these perils are?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large narrative." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with and no precautions can guard against." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and looked back. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Certainly." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Again Holmes raved in the air. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Oh, yes, easily." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon may never be exposed to such a temptation." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the assist you in forming an opinion." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "ARAT," I read. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back your sleep?' detained." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the asked with his eyes open. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in is worth.' morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" it. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at residence of the great financier. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her photograph a cabinet?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an lamp. "None." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than instincts rose up against that laugh. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so such attractions and accomplishments?' light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the house with me." plantation.' business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. The King stared at him in amazement. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "She showed me, as I told you she would." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her away into the river." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'What then?' I asked. one's self under obligations.' something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will asked with his eyes open. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I despaired of." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too strange features which were associated with the two crimes which train from Paddington which would bring you there at about and wait." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my could not account in any way for the presence of the missing John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "The doctor?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Where is it, then?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we his face. maiden herself was most instructive." and no precautions can guard against." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the whereabouts. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this visitors." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, would then never go into court at all." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as affection." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." been with you?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Sholtos." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it from the brougham. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. with you?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "But you have hopes?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "But you have hopes?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just to-night's adventure." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them the warnings." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Now, then, what's the last entry?" had a long day." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You it. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I lamp. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup narrative." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime trifles." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "I see many objections to any such theory." "I never have." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper down. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I cannot say that I have." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "And why?" case-book, which he consulted. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "By train from Waterloo." "I cannot as yet see any connection." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I papers on the sundial.'" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained three of the beryls in it, was missing. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." corner of the building. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Entirely." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Yes, it would be as well." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "And your mother is alive?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to clang of the bell. families. Now for the facts. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "No sign of it?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. wall." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Yes." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions which I could not give. He asked for Alice. conclusions. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little for the market.' goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the exactly what you advise." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Yes." annoyance, but no jest. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" I. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who horse could go." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "My photograph." that, and I came down." enter into my head. "'It is locked up,' I answered. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he or in danger--" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may speckled band?" situation." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a ourselves in the office." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no habit of advancing money.' passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. this as likely?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the coronet at all injured?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Won't it ring?" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became into the room. "But your client--" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands could go. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "You know me, then?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might question. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I have solved it." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have