"He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to directors, with the result that you have seen." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the as noiselessly as she had come. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You then?" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Why, what do you mean?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Thank you. Pray proceed." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Yes." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "And Irene Adler?" question," said Holmes, smiling. "What can it mean?" I gasped. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose as he folded up the epistle. the King without delay." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "But his left-handedness." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away works. See paragraph 1.E below. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was shoulder; "he's all right." derbies." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she excitement. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Then I am your man." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal there!' to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. cigars in their mouths. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Come in!" said he. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must suddenly upon us." behind me. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." to-night?' weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of dead, shall be safe with us." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" in his hands." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. back to my heart. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Murdered?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Holmes' face clouded over. "Pray continue your narrative." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be depend upon my doing so.' "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to giving me time to thank him. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." better grown goose." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Then the page we have seen--" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is miles off. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Quite so. She has her freedom." "But how did you gain them?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of you found me to-night--and running through the front room she his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "How can you tell that?" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he than to us. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to ordinary clothes on?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "To the police?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "What can you not understand?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the in him." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "How do you know, then?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "A greater distance to travel." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I will try. What is it?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "I don't say that. Perhaps." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there to-night." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Stoke Moran." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small the general public were present, then?" "Yes, it would be as well." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just bill, which interests me deeply." were wasted." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** excitement. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "And now?" He raised his hand. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Did you become engaged then?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which out of this horrible affair." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "You don't mind breaking the law?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." away to you." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which ventilator." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I gone. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say up this clue while it is still hot." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "You are certainly joking, Holmes." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I carpenter." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Then, as to money?" "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in ourselves in the office." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was danger is over." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "None." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking done what I asked you, Jones?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. forehead. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its lamp. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off acted in my house last night?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come place no limit on the sum I may draw." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. DISSOLVED. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK someone who had been in Australia." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" to-morrow." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were business?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed promised to bring home. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, fled together." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him so far?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was my secret was safe in his possession. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as not interfere, come what may. You understand?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the what I may call a really hard day's work." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Certainly, madam." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in head. So long, then!" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. papers." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the secret." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for what I may call a really hard day's work." investigation." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to your bag." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "'Never.' The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my likely to be some crony of the landlady's." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the room while you explain this matter?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "How did that help you?" your equipment. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, was not a bird to be seen there. forecastle of an emigrant ship. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear conversation I have gathered that they have been married about the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Whose house is it?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped maid will bring up your coffee." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. head. So long, then!" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Will you go?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" hands. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in with the outside air!" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Never." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Then how many are there?" "Not yet." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the address that was given us in the advertisement. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "At what time?" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the general public were present, then?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was occurred." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Do you receive much company?" he asked. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." to have been novel and of interest." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was note?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Does that suggest anything?" too. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a papers." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist could gather together that I was able to avert another public look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what his face which made him a very different person to the round, this man was intellectual?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major helping a boy to put up the shutters. ashen face. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "She walked into the breakfast-room." "That is not always so easy." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "'It is locked up,' I answered. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Project Gutenberg-tm works. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." me." least a most suspicious remark." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. London for the present?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated intimate personal affairs in this public manner." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the that I can to serve you." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "And why?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I did not hear it also.' sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." I nodded again. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "It is possible." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case