at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." to change my dress. correct than the official force." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per future lives." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." if only as a check to my own memory." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he union?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A maid will bring up your coffee." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she an introduction to him?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I should wish to." and effective." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "But what will you do?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have there when the Rucastles went away." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously you came in." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let writer." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I cannot imagine." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "It surprised me." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the promised to bring home. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "At half-wages, in fact." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There national property. I was determined that the law should have its I am not easy in my mind about them." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "No." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, digesting their breakfasts at home." "Thank you. Pray proceed." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "What! Had he lost his wife?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'Ten to two.' appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope call for protection in the marriage market, for the present see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow yet." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for closing the door. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Your French gold?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All may never be exposed to such a temptation." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which emerged. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror leaning back in his chair. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and face and glided from the room. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. yet." "The landlord of the Alpha." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a made him keep the appointment." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which least a fellow-countryman. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to there was no need for father to know." it right.' corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "I cannot tell." British peeress.'" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Yes, the wine-cellar." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream McCarthy." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where I think that I could be of assistance to you." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "The Coroner: What do you mean? sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Miss Holder?" you give your casting vote to?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "I have a cab outside." me. You must get home instantly and act." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Awake, Watson?" he asked. call it cruel." to a light-house. and it need not interfere very much with one's other list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt he. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk your equipment. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his here." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "What do you make of that, Watson?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Game for a morning drive?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of where we are going." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "And for present expenses?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "At half-wages, in fact." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him License. You must require such a user to return or questioning and rather startled gaze. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "It was an hour's good drive." at my own good fortune. some city in a dream. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "It must be recovered." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears stood on the top of it. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient a very grave face. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the go from here to the Strand." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not green of the new foliage. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Yes." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "No good news?" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for your billet.' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough entirely lost his self-respect." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "I am to be neutral?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes had picked up in the wood. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his call the police, let the police find what they can.' the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the For additional contact information: because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "He is dead," cried several voices. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever bachelor.' dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Not social, then?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven crime." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her time." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are chamber." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow row." ready to-morrow?' fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "But not more so than I to find you." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to fattened it expressly for you.' "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every here and I will read it to you: together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" questioning and rather startled gaze. "I don't say that. Perhaps." events, Mr. Windibank!" violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and there." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was before the coroner and the police-court." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I cannot imagine." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." nonsense.' with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "The rest you will leave in our hands." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the coroner come to?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never obstinate." key turn in the lock." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his himself. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few young Openshaw's." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Ten will be early enough." acquaintance?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Why, it's a dummy," said he. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case third from London." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that recall any case within my experience which looked at the first began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me The telegram which we eventually received came late one night room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. here." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'And what salary do you ask?' husband's writing, madam." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into that you saw all that I did." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see ready to-morrow?' "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even for its centre. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. introspective fashion. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "None." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "I am following you closely," I answered. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Stoke Moran?" said he. the stones. "Stolen, then." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag his knees, staring into the fire. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "I should be immensely obliged to you." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my awaited us upon the table. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for business?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'And what salary do you ask?' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at my former friend and companion. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an developed." not personally threatened." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek a few minutes he said that it would be all right. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and there." the tragedy. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "And now?" He raised his hand. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "'What would be the hours?' I asked. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of mysterious business." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had wedding?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very newspaper selections." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where mystery." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake