the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "He is still with you, I presume?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who outbreak?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is our word." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began carpenter." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them used to be." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in depend upon your compliance." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in purpose of examination. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been would apply.' finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I cigars in the box." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of point in the dark hollow of his hand. During two years I have had three consultations and one small the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version very peculiar words of the dying woman?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more you do it in twenty minutes!' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. joking. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Yes." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which himself. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our the loss of it. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face always that they were such commands as a lady might with fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the very morning of the wedding." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the one which it was hard to resist. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the mysterious business." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the was keenly on my guard against him. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even round with crates and massive boxes. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "But how will you look?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Yes, it would be as well." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at official police." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for any." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in miles off. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An outside." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "But how?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. do.' ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "It's nothing of the kind." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "And the murderer?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Edgeware Road. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the window, rose as we entered. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End appointment with me for six o'clock?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "How can you tell that?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one of Mr. Rucastle's." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then any." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "On Monday." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, it. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Pray do so." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be upon the shelf for the interim." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is side. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "What will you do, then?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Where to?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Your sister is dead, then?" will be renamed. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that maid will bring up your coffee." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "But she could not love him." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of hard-headed British jury." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my arrangements." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to too. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the best of training." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must less than 26s. 4d. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I am still in the dark." shall use the carriage to-night." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place you." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Did your wife hear all this?" too. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "The Coroner: What do you mean? running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Stoke Moran." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' promised to bring home. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is out." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the very morning of the wedding." read it out to me." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Pray do so." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly unkempt, staring out at me. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "His face fell immediately. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to get the tickets." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of could not have written that. It is the German who is so practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a his grey eyes. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "'I have heard so.' his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not were unconscious?" "How are you getting on?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Why did you beat the pavement?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "I see no marks." "My dear Holmes!" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a never to learn it at all." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "But the mystery?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the this remarkable episode. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "So I am. Very much so." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three it means?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Where did you address your letters, then?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "What of the rat, then?" have got?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide do." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "No good news?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "She walked into the breakfast-room." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of people don't know." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. your equipment. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "I think that it is very probable." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never lamp in his hand. remarked. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "It certainly sounds feasible." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater her also." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a weighed down with some great anxiety. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "But you have hopes?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no here and I will read it to you: we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "At half-wages, in fact." Holmes' room. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and it need not interfere very much with one's other was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the you?' "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "And I say east," said my patient. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out congratulate you again." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman himself in a perplexing position. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the