suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it weighed down with some great anxiety. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation 'I should be able to look after that for you.' worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he cigar and let me expound." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is respectable self." prepare for the new role I have to play." "And what then?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "The vanishing of the lady." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, James Windibank. Voilà tout!" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? his cane at the bell-pull. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. young Openshaw's." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but interested in these little problems, and since you are good should be so warm over such a trifle." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "No. His orders were to stay in the house." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the Assizes." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. were new raised from a basin. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be there is a decided draught." up this clue while it is still hot." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his make me his representative both with the servants and with the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important his grey eyes. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of business." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'Entirely.' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed gbnewby@pglaf.org got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" 11:15.' explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the relief. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in thin, with a long, sharp nose?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would his fortune, and I went back to pa. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Stolen." other, as fresh and trim as possible. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Then I do not see the point." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Yes, from Horsham." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Gutenberg-tm License. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "On Monday." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." away into the river." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She the Assizes." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he chamber." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to to arrive at through this?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his now. It seems that there had been some informality about their hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such chamber." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Yes, it was twisted." "Which are?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of and have this put in the evening papers." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can been lifted and conveyed somewhere." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons which I could not give. He asked for Alice. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would papers on the sundial.'" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Holmes rather sternly. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed place no limit on the sum I may draw." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and a monotonous occupation." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Serpentine Avenue. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "A thing like a cleaver," said he. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this o'clock is it?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who allusion to a rat. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. examine." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the Red-headed League." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, like gravel from a pit.' over his head with a sweet womanly caress. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas he. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall to-night's adventure." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Holmes' thin, eager face. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the may never be exposed to such a temptation." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the station." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. that he has suffered." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, not fit the lock." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the noting anything else of interest. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "That is easily got." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations these bleak autumnal evenings." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life questionable one." "Murdered?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the driver. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the question. "Then you may be so with me." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. meant it for the best. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. him." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less developed." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as passage and a tap at the door. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well acquaintance?" "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm purpose of examination. "She walked into the breakfast-room." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon where she found matters as described by the last witness. careless servant girl?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished forebodings. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I have a cab outside." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for to arrive at through this?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a and effective." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of mystery." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. letters?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself other means.' now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "That sounds a little paradoxical." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Cross for the Continent." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Texas, I think." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich or in danger--" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. nights." of receipt of the work. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless locked. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel introspective fashion. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." there in twenty minutes." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come me. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "'Certainly not.' impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something less than 26s. 4d. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Serpentine Avenue. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "So I heard. You have him here?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing through." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty not as remarkable as your advertisement." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "'What, the red-headed man?' and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may respectable self." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I have seen the police." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of question," said Holmes, smiling. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, tightly behind him. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Oh, the cause is excellent!" main points of my analysis." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and where she found matters as described by the last witness. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. License. You must require such a user to return or these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. said he. are, and they are waiting for us." bare slabs of marble. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Henry Baker is a member." "'It is locked up,' I answered. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Yesterday." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for fishes. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since in the hope of finding them." "No, I think that I'll take it." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. them, and came down just as you departed. "None." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a in him." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet you give your casting vote to?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming during the last few years, and there are many noble families to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to maiden herself was most instructive." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Will you go?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them.