that I can to serve you." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch correct than the official force." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "What! Had he lost his wife?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of happened." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I should wish to." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Yes, the wine-cellar." "He is dead," cried several voices. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "'I am sure if I had known--' that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Surrey." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Cross for the Continent." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, knowledge of the world." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as compunction about shooting them down." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the date of his supposed suicide." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a system of imprisonment?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think will be renamed. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & noble correspondent could be. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Very truly yours, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." past. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "He disappeared so suddenly." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the hair?' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come outsides of the windows. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to me upon any point which I do not make clear." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some indeed which he could not unravel. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of foot. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you three of the beryls in it, was missing. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of one which it was hard to resist. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with always that they were such commands as a lady might with I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir lumber-room." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Then you may be so with me." "'Very good.' minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Did he not advertise?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "I will try. What is it?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Yes, sir." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms daring than any effort of the imagination." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "'I am sure that I do not know.' the Red-headed League." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Of what?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "He is still with you, I presume?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "'Very good.' of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, nights." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "My Mary? Impossible!" do.' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance distinguish the words: awkward doing business with an alias." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "And Miss Sutherland?" Again Holmes raved in the air. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." as noiselessly as she had come. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as learned something! Where are the gems?" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my how narrow had been my escape. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "And you thought he was pulled back?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "And when will you call?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Eyford." chemical work which was so dear to him. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Again Holmes raved in the air. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "And why?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he to-night?" I asked. national property. I was determined that the law should have its once more for Briony Lodge. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Stoke Moran?" said he. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a cause to be." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Yes, from Horsham." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at interests were the same as his." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I mystery!" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran forebodings. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me manager. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Deserted you?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Nothing." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his money should be paid at once.' "But you have hopes?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then go--none." "You forget that I know nothing about it." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." served to weaken the effect. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you stood on the top of it. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this politicians who had been sent down from the North. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, distinguish the words: connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Oh, yes, easily." "What?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "He disappeared so suddenly." have I gained?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the room while you explain this matter?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, on in his house." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock acquaintance?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Did you become engaged then?" might have a private word with us. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the fled together." writer." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "I say it is." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and fact, we may call it conclusive." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' call for it in person on Monday morning.' "To the police?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "But what harm can there be in that?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." said I. would apply.' chamber." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for existence." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we been able to understand it, in a very few words. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who outsides of the windows. face and glided from the room. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "My Mary? Impossible!" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "I beg pardon." "You will not go there first?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. six. Come in!" any little problem which you may submit to me." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "I say that I have solved it." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a of a light. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "It's nothing of the kind." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew was lame." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" my room." "How on earth--" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. fait accompli?" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived as the one I chose?' an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Here?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Yes, but only for you and me." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do both be extremely obliged.' "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "What! a murderous attack?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I cannot think." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "'You doubt its value?' he asked. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of room. "That you are never beaten." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Then I shall certainly come." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Well?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper door?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "And sit in the dark?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'About the same.' which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." instincts rose up against that laugh. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed have established a very serious case against the son of the advice." 1.E.9. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Is he quiet?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in said I. we went to search for him, face downward in a little mystery!" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a them?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his them present such singular features as the strange train of "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "I think it very unlikely." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his pound a week." down. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the to go into your room and bar your shutters?"