face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Absolutely none." "Yes, that is the Crown." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess go back?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had yards of it?' "About a month then." there." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Whose house is it?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate writers could invent nothing more crude." companion. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day window when the police appeared." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an me upon any point which I do not make clear." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "And you don't know his address?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that the very letters. But what is this written above them?' set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has becomes even more simple." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with 'please.'" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "'Stolen!' he cried. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming really the only notable feature about the thing." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, at home. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you villagers almost as much as their master. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and get the tickets." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. success. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "I should like to see him very much." "Pray do so." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "The Coroner: What do you mean? me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "And when will you call?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age the child." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the not within a twentieth part of the market price." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together in the dead of the night?' being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise that o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "What do you make of that, Watson?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Ten will be early enough." your co-operation." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. depend upon your compliance." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful see me here to avoid scandal." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "You have but to name it." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that States. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Edgeware Road. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I along the entire front of the house, with three long windows was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco believe that I should never have any practice at all. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "In answer to an advertisement." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "No, thank goodness, she did not." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon you?' shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Can I be of assistance?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his vault. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. bearing upon the case." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an formed some opinion?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it he bowed and left the room without another word. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Has he come with you to-night?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and what these perils are?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all south, for the country is more deserted there." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at *** START: FULL LICENSE *** very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his call for it in person on Monday morning.' Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down of Fenchurch Street." that he has suffered." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which criminal. We have already had experience of such." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" question. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in burst out into a roar of laughter. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a sparkled upon his finger. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded you do it in twenty minutes!' see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "But how will you look?" "And how did you verify them?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the like gravel from a pit.' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable back alive. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "That is it on the dressing-table." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way any." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" corner of the building. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want you give your casting vote to?" "Precisely so. But how--" "Witness: Nothing definite. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no John Swain, of St. Augustine. happened." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "BALLARAT." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Yes." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain it." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had neither fascinating nor artistic." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "None." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott intrusion of other matters." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "I cannot tell." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp spark where all is dark to me." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and subject to the trademark license, especially commercial He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'I am sure that I do not know.' sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close as he remarks, very much against the son." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." politicians who had been sent down from the North. Heh?' such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a written. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my so far?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Mrs. Toller serenely. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Yes, there are nearly always some there." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Not social, then?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." dramatic, in fact." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, to some other building. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "I cannot imagine." interest. They are important, you understand, without being there when the Rucastles went away." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'Why that?' I asks. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "But how?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the affection." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Certainly." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "And from a noble client?" appeal." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed unprecedented a position." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to with frightened eyes at his accuser. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were will be renamed. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are how narrow had been my escape. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical himself. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Have you it here?" "If I can be of use." followed. "'Is purely nominal.' was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' him to be an active member of the medical profession." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a them, and came down just as you departed. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "I will not look." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage relief. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Stoke Moran." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Then he might have called to you?" way in." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer furiously. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Which are?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is jewels which you have stolen?' "In which, sir?" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a hand, madam?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." upon the sideboard." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'Where to?' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the This is what he says: "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'I am sure if I had known--' caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, asked. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I see no marks." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the