"But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "And from a noble client?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change not fit the lock." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant the Assizes." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "We have tried and failed." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "None." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions sofa. This way, please!" served to weaken the effect. was keenly on my guard against him. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading ago." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "You horrify me." maiden herself was most instructive." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "How are you getting on?" were unconscious?" "It is solved." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round in the hope of finding them." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Well?" this Miss Turner." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room looking up at the numbers of the houses." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his of fine shops and stately business premises that they really go from here to the Strand." not fit the lock." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Absolutely?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "And Irene Adler?" any little problem which you may submit to me." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa brandy and water within his reach. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "In San Francisco, a year ago." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. very old mansion. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." I shall continue with my miserable story. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "How did you trace it, then?" maid will bring up your coffee." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in certainly not very gracious." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the so-precious time, but come!' hopeless attempt at recovering them." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Then, as to money?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, very peculiar words of the dying woman?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, unprecedented a position." "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, of the way of danger. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable sparkled upon his finger. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little second." "My Mary? Impossible!" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Where to?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other tapping his fingers upon the table. important." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Not yet." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper and capable of preserving a secret.' snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which time." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the tied." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out did not hear it also.' own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite his eyes and forehead. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a to a more successful conclusion." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I to miss it." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I think it very unlikely." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "'Yes.' has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have It may be so in this case, also." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I see many objections to any such theory." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Not social, then?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like threw himself down with his face to the pillow. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "There is the writing." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and shall use the carriage to-night." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number golden eyeglasses. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "But how?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this 'I should be able to look after that for you.' sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Here?" "No bad?" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "At half-wages, in fact." himself. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are were new raised from a basin. entirely devoid of interest." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for of receipt of the work. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate of Fenchurch Street." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for happened." married her." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Yes." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "No legal papers or certificates?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the ashen face. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will more solid." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "The rest you will leave in our hands." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this and your relations to her." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, it." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two now. It seems that there had been some informality about their enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to floor. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a astonishment. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "You have the photograph?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Nearly eleven." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "What shall I do?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'Yes, it was gone.' anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Seven!" I answered. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Was he the only applicant?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, photograph?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that cigars in the box." "He said that you could solve anything." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. matter." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have come either from the window or the door. My attention was plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Holmes' face clouded over. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was wanted for ourselves." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off upon the sideboard." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was events than those which have happened in my own family." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the must compliment you." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own nights." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes weighed down with some great anxiety. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Holmes rather sternly. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "And I say east," said my patient. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, key of the affair now." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was business matters.' Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble had a long day." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of is acting for the best. mystery may be cleared along those lines." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "And what then?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, here and I will read it to you: this remarkable episode. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Seven!" I answered. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means knowledge of the world." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you details should find their way into the papers. Inspector in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. outbreak?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that as he remarks, very much against the son." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which have I gained?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had up this clue while it is still hot." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An a room. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: time." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, interest. They are important, you understand, without being occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must papers diligently of late, have you not?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever both be extremely obliged.' so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to tell him that I know him to be innocent." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Doctor, of the paper and the date." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "How did he come?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any ways of our fellow-men." delirious. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and looked back. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "No, but the enclosure is." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little of the one which your family is now devouring." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "I am to be neutral?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "'How far from the body?' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in present." recover the gem." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he you." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. row." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "It must be recovered." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out to go into your room and bar your shutters?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "He said too much." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were mystery may be cleared along those lines." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "I think that it is very probable." have been better. It is all right." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of