strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking all that?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar know what is wrong with it.' child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "And what did you see?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the think that he is innocent?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to off." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "She told me to ask you." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage detained." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done him to be an active member of the medical profession." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not lids now and glanced across at his visitor. I approached. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "'Is 4 pounds a week.' off." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found tell him that I know him to be innocent." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. away to you." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion habit of advancing money.' brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "No legal papers or certificates?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his thin, with a long, sharp nose?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." will not take me long to tell. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "'Yes, it was gone.' Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon for and were ordered to this address. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "I was afraid that you were engaged." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "How did that help you?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, of Fenchurch Street." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "So I have heard." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I away into the river." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the photograph a cabinet?" "To ruin me." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the we went to search for him, face downward in a little Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a developed." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical know that the truth is known." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "But the mystery?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. death." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "A greater distance to travel." "Was the window open?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might that you saw all that I did." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime question. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had right! Sit down and let us talk it over." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "He said too much." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. you do it in twenty minutes!' the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand License. You must require such a user to return or apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, hard-headed British jury." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Then I shall certainly come." arrangements." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "On your arm?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three his knees, staring into the fire. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle help us in this matter." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far it." woven round him. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "I have hopes." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "'Quite sure, dad.' and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "But what is it you wish?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "What then?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." "So I have heard." "By all means." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "What then?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. later, upon the night of May 2nd." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "How did he come?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. and inquire as to the address." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. spark where all is dark to me." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as sufficient punishment." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the which we had just quitted. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, should be taken.' He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may client, rising. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, to some other building. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Well, it is a possible supposition." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "That is not always so easy." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "I should be immensely obliged to you." "'Yes, sir.' of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and prosperity to your house. Good-night." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "It is possible." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a 11:15.' would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: him to be an active member of the medical profession." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square that I am arrested." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen his knees, staring into the fire. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a you." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE young Openshaw's." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as imbecility!" he cried. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United a suggestive one." the bed, and you in that chair." "Not in the least." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some placed his cuttings. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of child?' were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young had picked up in the wood. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that of fine shops and stately business premises that they really going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. good-night and bustled off upon her way. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Miss Holder?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "How about poison?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Yes, he did." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "It is no ordinary one." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: them, and came down just as you departed. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked row." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "No, finished." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll back to my heart. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an know what is wrong with it.' investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a ventilator." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was fact, we may call it conclusive." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and is worth.' enter into my head. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend that wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "The gentleman I describe." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to wedding?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "I shall most certainly do so." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "How are you getting on?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to plantation.' King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the unprecedented a position." "It is half-past ten now." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must woman." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Mrs. Toller serenely. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Holmes' face clouded over. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "'Yes, sir.' "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no The King stared at him in amazement. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the stable lane now." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and my former friend and companion. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me problems help me to do so." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "My private note-paper." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Whose house is it?" throat." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Does that suggest anything?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than