"You have a clue?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side that I may have something better before very many minutes are nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady from the brougham. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Is he quiet?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary dates and names. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is nice household for a young lady." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "We were both in the photograph." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. trifles." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" to tell." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any Lee, in the county of Kent." "None." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty use an arc-and-compass breastpin." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds bachelor.' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power extraordinary contortions. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. had this final quarrel? "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Heh?' situation." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Pray do so." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in I nodded again. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." enter Dr. Roylott's room." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which lips." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Not yet." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, records." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "'Yes.' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, over part of the map. "What do you read?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and better grown goose." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and you." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As had died away into the silence from which it rose. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me John Swain, of St. Augustine. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Yes." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us have I gained?" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" dramatic, in fact." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing despaired of." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said who was a member of your goose club." "Will you bet, then?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could DISSOLVED. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full criminal. We have already had experience of such." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell will not take me long to tell. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Where did you address your letters, then?" past. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Where, indeed?" from the brougham. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "'Never.' "You were travelling in the States?" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her closely." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Count Von Kramm." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't vanished into the darkness. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "'Certainly not. But why?' lids now and glanced across at his visitor. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "What are they?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing it? Did I buy the geese off you?" security.' and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by face and glided from the room. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for investigation." see a sister of mine apply for." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the and capable of preserving a secret.' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the room while you explain this matter?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the morning and make my own way in the world.' to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'No, I know no one in these parts.' she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be for the market.' "Yes, he did." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'It is locked up,' I answered. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this fear." works. See paragraph 1.E below. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman you." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" said I. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away breakfast and whispered something to her husband. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** developed." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. who was a member of your goose club." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Perhaps we may make them less so." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "A greater distance to travel." himself to tell his story. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Munro.' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was was keenly on my guard against him. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing himself to hunt down. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Yes." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, rose-bushes. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness his fortune, and I went back to pa. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. delighted to hear it," he said. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the you give your casting vote to?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." grasp, he hurried from the room. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I never have." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "It is very clear." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the coronet at all injured?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. detained." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had me. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell article?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I or in danger--" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "What then?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down http://www.gutenberg.net Serpentine Avenue. hardly wander." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "In San Francisco, a year ago." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "'And what salary do you ask?' and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" it." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could begin with, and I had not got mine yet." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the to have that photograph." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' over with notes and figures. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and on in his house." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "And why?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "'Never.' some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon American. Then who could this American be, and why should he your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be laugh and put his lips to my ear. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I power." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "I have come for advice." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was this truth that in these little records of our cases which you this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "I would give my fortune to have them back." you give your casting vote to?" between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, best detective that ever lived. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "You think that he is dead?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards you found me to-night--and running through the front room she There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "What I expected to see." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "I will, Miss Turner." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or to you." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Oh, fresh and glossy." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the loss of it. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "We were both in the photograph." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think then?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? views." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey affection." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of rat could hardly pass through." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. husband's writing, madam." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'As governess?' "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed foot. went to the Alpha were town bred." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." the warnings." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you conduct the inquiry." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "You think that he is dead?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the few hundred pounds.' than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." she used." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on behind me. one of them." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the been deceived." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "What, then, did Peterson do?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the that you wished to speak to me?' aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, persecution?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Holmes, the busybody!" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with