were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "My private note-paper." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Why, it's a dummy," said he. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in golden eyeglasses. keep the flames under. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining colonel looking down at me. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "An enemy?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in your billet.' demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch amused." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the again before evening." ready to-morrow?' was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Murdered?" 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "9th. McCauley cleared. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, see me here to avoid scandal." excitement. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to even of instruction." cigars in their mouths. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "And the cigar-holder?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The him!" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Absolutely?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "One of his hands." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have strode off upon his way. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient what do you think they found in the pockets?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened said he. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was if only as a check to my own memory." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." passage and a tap at the door. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but ventilator." "Precisely." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' meanly of me." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Just look it up, then." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "How do you know, then?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I have hopes." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as been able to understand it, in a very few words. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Tired-looking or fresh?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "How did that help you?" nothing with him." official police." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Dr. Becher's." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" annoyance, but no jest. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "No. What a strange idea!" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of me where it went to?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Yes." "What?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police voice, changing her seat as requested. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: heavy and sharp instrument." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "And I." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping carriage. It was a chestnut." "You horrify me." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to Edgeware Road. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled overpowering excitement and concern. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in do." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Deserted you?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated despair." locked." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "What!" he roared. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned questionable one." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat words came to my lips. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Your sister is dead, then?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Will you go?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the she used." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Serpentine Avenue. is a common subject for conversation. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Why? What do you mean?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Sholtos." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began an introduction to him?" "But I am all in the dark." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I cannot think." voice. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a helping a boy to put up the shutters. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was said he. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and question," said Holmes, smiling. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand was shining brightly. father's place of business?" liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. DISSOLVED. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story populous neighbourhood." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." detective. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do with the outside air!" "He is dead," cried several voices. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building upon a handsome competence. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "It surprised me." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had my former friend and companion. companion. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle money should be paid at once.' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I me what he had done with the three missing stones. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. round with crates and massive boxes. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what showing my impatience. "Entirely." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever only touch the interest." "Really! You surprise me." towards the blaze. Sutherland. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "What, then, did Peterson do?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could your equipment. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Stolen." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "It is possible." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "And your mother is alive?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this of your young ladies.' "She will not sell." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? at my remark. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I have hopes." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "So I have heard." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "The rest you will leave in our hands." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, other means.' many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." noble correspondent could be. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who my friend's incisive reasoning. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "It is very kind of you." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he of a light. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "And on what day did he meet his death?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg rat could hardly pass through." strong reason behind." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the dangers which encompass me." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "'Ten to two.' "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with his wife has ceased to love him." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Yes." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the bottom.' "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "'Quite sure, dad.' time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. rooms." giving me time to thank him. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Young McCarthy must be got off, however." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. young Openshaw's." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "That you are never beaten." papers must be those that are destroyed.' "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. walking." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "When did it break out?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. off." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in hardly wander." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental children over to America with him, so that I found myself without villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the so-precious time, but come!' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." that?' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Yes, certainly." empty. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the roots. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one should be so warm over such a trifle." and capable of preserving a secret.' nights." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "What do you mean?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Her father is very rich?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer there were one or two details which were new to me. But the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "But how?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it