passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower strong reason behind." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the your billet.' Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "My photograph." "Certainly." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of directors, with the result that you have seen." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "I would pay ten." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she depend upon my doing so.' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I say that I have solved it." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and put his glass in his pocket. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Holmes rather sternly. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her morning." should be taken.' As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "'Stolen!' he cried. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower fact, we may call it conclusive." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Quite so. She has her freedom." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what out." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns upon the white wrist. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and 1.E.9. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter tail." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts companion imperturbably. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell careless servant girl?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question morning." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the in darkness. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more overpowering excitement and concern. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "'And what salary do you ask?' "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from power." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with bachelor.' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Well." "And your mother is alive?" Arthur Conan Doyle fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Street. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see even so self-evident a thing as that." "No." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend records." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business if only as a check to my own memory." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much said he, "my real name is James Ryder." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to companion. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up gives a meaning to it." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Where did he live, then?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. arrested. You then--" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was tassel actually lying upon the pillow. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew down. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Yes, I have one waiting." "That also I could fathom." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "And how did he make his money?" "And why?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." any." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from some city in a dream. page at http://pglaf.org besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "A client, then?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, himself to tell his story. it right.' "But he might be a bachelor." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of strode off upon his way. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "It must be recovered." rose-bushes. a little more before I quite committed myself. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? and inquire as to the address." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." The summons was a brief and urgent one. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem questioning and rather startled gaze. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a astonishment. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Then the page we have seen--" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "None." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. ashen face. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon been." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear in his hands." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the think you a quite exceptional woman." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." prisoner's face. the Red-headed League." companion. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for in him." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have your sleep?' and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got the driver. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are words came to my lips. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know records." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. enter Dr. Roylott's room." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "No more words. Get out!" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "How long did she speak to this Alice?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Serpentine Avenue. the running down." "Your presence might be invaluable." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey redistribution. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some ashen face. have had none more fantastic than this." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I will not look." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the photograph?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that what these perils are?" province." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what wife's character?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Well?" I. wife's character?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Yes." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton you came in." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the side-table." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had for the market.' this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in you give your casting vote to?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "But who is he?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Can I be of assistance?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the our word." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and effective." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "He is dead," cried several voices. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' weary and pale-looking. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You will he say when he returns?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into she used." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits introspective fashion. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "But how?" shaken than I had ever seen him. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the point in the dark hollow of his hand. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Yes, at the mines." hardly wander." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Stolen, then." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out mystery may be cleared along those lines." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for how narrow had been my escape. "One of his hands." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "But she could not love him." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. your Highness to the police-station?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Who was the criminal, then?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and glanced through. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "The gentleman I describe." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand seen the man in the road." look upon these things in a different way." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom habit of advancing money.' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'What then?' I asked. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported have established a very serious case against the son of the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so to-morrow." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "There are none." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second cigars in their mouths. could not have written that. It is the German who is so him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still call the police, let the police find what they can.' description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I once more for Briony Lodge. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious standing smiling on the door-step. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin certainly not very gracious." bachelor.' upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "You forget that I know nothing about it." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "And who is her maid?" "Entirely." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." might help us?" case before our client came into the room." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress of Mr. Rucastle's." my special province." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the gigantic client. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." about here speaks of his kindness to him." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady lost his Christmas dinner." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of occupations.' "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Pray let us have it, for all that." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of of campaign. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Watson," he said cordially. "Absolutely?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, there!' "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. bears upon the case?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "And on what day did he meet his death?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become