"Then you may be so with me." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; some mystery and the punishment of some crime." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the four million human beings all jostling each other within the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was morning." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "She will not sell." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Not him." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Serpentine Avenue. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress think that he is innocent?" forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Quite so." walking." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He was the fact that his father should, according to his account, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Holmes rather sternly. think you a quite exceptional woman." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Absolutely?" London for the present?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." before, for it was considerably after midnight. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off little trying to do so much typewriting?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. to take care of herself." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Has he come with you to-night?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as pity, because in other respects you would really have done very happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "And that is--" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Young McCarthy must be got off, however." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your wife's character?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with time." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." his knees, staring into the fire. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, invisible to me," I remarked. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Yes. He waved his hands." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "You think that he is dead?" my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the grasp, he hurried from the room. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, records." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This morning." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something meant it for the best. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have as he folded up the epistle. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "I think it very unlikely." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman indeed which he could not unravel. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three article?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "It is no ordinary one." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which unkempt, staring out at me. "Frequently." I approached. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "'Then let me do so?' Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Project Gutenberg-tm works. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE 'I should be able to look after that for you.' business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "You have compromised yourself seriously." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Very truly yours, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Sholtos." lumber-room." "I came to find a friend." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "They are typewritten," I remarked. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even again, where I was soon asleep. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together evidence," I remarked. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you at a side door. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at again." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you completely overtopped every other consideration that we both plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "It is solved." written. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a with her." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." go back?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project experiences." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, where we are going." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man looking up at the numbers of the houses." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, habit of advancing money.' "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" weighed down with some great anxiety. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf unprecedented a position." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little chance at all." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this present." be best to do. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is some city in a dream. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' said he, "my real name is James Ryder." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any to tell." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the bare slabs of marble. "Yes, the wine-cellar." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Where, then, is my wife?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, business matters.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, trifles." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott any more." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Yes." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly in this note: without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the best of training." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should gives a meaning to it." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to other means.' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "What! Had he lost his wife?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off leave you to your papers for a little." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "It is solved." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now you." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations hardly wander." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different later, upon the night of May 2nd." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. call it cruel." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove four million human beings all jostling each other within the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would had picked up in the wood. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." purpose of examination. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Yes, I have one waiting." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of 'I should be able to look after that for you.' answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some of fine shops and stately business premises that they really slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Well." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Sholtos." "Ah!" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Get out!" said he. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "My dear Holmes!" business came to an end." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the coronet in his hand?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be shoulder; "he's all right." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Where, indeed?" second." was a loud and authoritative tap. indeed happy." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Was your sister dressed?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Yes." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There residence of the great financier. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to would apply.' from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the of this gang." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after in a friendly supper." spare." "The gentleman I describe." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from that saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "What I expected to see." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He done what I asked you, Jones?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "It was." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have public press." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I best detective that ever lived. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in of note-paper. It read in this fashion: distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where The telegram which we eventually received came late one night unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the entirely lost his self-respect." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." unclasping of his long thin hands. "Have you her photograph?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Then, how do you know?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I am following you closely," I answered. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want bachelor.' considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in him!" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Why serious?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "You think that he is dead?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of you." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those photograph?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Certainly." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering I held the little printed slip to the light. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no chance." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the some terrible trap for her." nice household for a young lady." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I and wait." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall