the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting over part of the map. "What do you read?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "It is a murder, then?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the tail." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in towards the blaze. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "How are you getting on?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and ready to-morrow?' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then point our research must commence, and we will begin it by my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "I beg pardon." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number attention." "Was there a secret marriage?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, who was a member of your goose club." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to him. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "If so, much may have happened between." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." nonsense.' dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "What will you do, then?" "But his lameness?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of indeed which he could not unravel. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the would apply.' it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a been anything against him. He had for years been known as a his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good was already answered. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of noble correspondent could be. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy to affect your life." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a tell them apart.' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, hereditary King of Bohemia." "But she could not love him." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in we went to search for him, face downward in a little headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "It is half-past ten now." 1.F. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his think, you have already met." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of definite end. "'And the work?' the very morning of the wedding." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have you for a few hours?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "What! Had he lost his wife?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens directly by questioning you." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "And how?" "You will not go there first?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by to you." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. to a more successful conclusion." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "No, I think that I'll take it." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his train.' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE children over to America with him, so that I found myself without serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems row." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I impression behind it as though a window had gently closed cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at was it brought him the coronet? Mrs. Toller serenely. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it tell them apart.' "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or row." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is power." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "My dear Holmes!" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a my room." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "That is also quite modern," said the lady. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we plantation.' "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt events, Mr. Windibank!" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish invisible to me," I remarked. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the general public were present, then?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "I am still in the dark." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" colour had been driven from his face. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "What of the rat, then?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Pool. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." forbidden door. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps his cane at the bell-pull. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my interest. They are important, you understand, without being never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the License. You must require such a user to return or "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Deserted you?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" ourselves in the office." unprecedented a position." This is what he says: "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." with the outside air!" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Young McCarthy must be got off, however." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious straightened it out again. "By all means." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his children over to America with him, so that I found myself without there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what awkward doing business with an alias." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he British peeress.'" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the certainly not very gracious." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! tell them apart.' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Who was the criminal, then?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to his knees, staring into the fire. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Dirty?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as one which it was hard to resist. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." newspaper selections." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no you." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father you found me to-night--and running through the front room she furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "That you are never beaten." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out thin legs towards the fire. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his certainly do as you advise." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all definite end. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Certainly, madam." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it me what he had done with the three missing stones. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "I have come for advice." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could society." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of chill to my heart. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." congenial hunt. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was against a man in the prime of life?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "I cannot say that I have." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that away in different directions, and I went off to make my own you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Married! When?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter habit of advancing money.' "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "What then?" "Whose house is it?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "'I am sure if I had known--' comes from the middle window." served to weaken the effect. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in was a perfect sample of the class. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the room while you explain this matter?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Street. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, breakfast?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came assist you in forming an opinion." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The of campaign. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his and laid it on the table. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I became a certainty. "Yes, but only for you and me." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin corner of the building. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for before, for it was considerably after midnight. putting in the horse. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit in this note: the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I was sure that I might rely on you." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." key turn in the lock." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Can I be of assistance?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and have this put in the evening papers." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But nonsense.' girl said." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he bill, which interests me deeply." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about chamber." goes." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin crime. the station." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the tear off another piece?' Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave The police have openly confessed that they can at present make envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. weighed down with some great anxiety. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very remarked. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I promise," said Holmes. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful do." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a wife's character?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, 1.F. hour." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "It is very clear." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Never to return." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" notes," he said. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and towards the blaze. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of prison!" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a throat." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "What I expected to see." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "At what time?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. unkempt, staring out at me. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether down. husband's writing, madam." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "But it has twice been burgled." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "But how?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway