Chief Executive and Director probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch good-night and bustled off upon her way. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. the ceiling. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable such attractions and accomplishments?' "Your French gold?" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "That is possible." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a not personally threatened." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should comes from the middle window." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" overpowering excitement and concern. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, humiliation." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Yes, sir." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that returning from some small jollification and was making his way whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. in my life." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, washing it down with a long draught of water. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for burst out into a roar of laughter. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'How far from the body?' that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of the one which your family is now devouring." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "By all means." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "To an English lawyer named Norton." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This your troubles." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Pope's Court, Fleet Street." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the yet." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "And you can do nothing until then?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but to surprise her." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "No." straightened it out again. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "'Yes, I promise.' step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that think that any burglar could have done. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "What shall I do?" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Game for a morning drive?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater this truth that in these little records of our cases which you before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "And why in hopes?" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, your bag." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "That is not always so easy." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill as yours." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." been with you?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said indeed happy." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Yes, all." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." memory. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain there when the Rucastles went away." DAMAGE. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. approach us with offers to donate. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. letters?" thin legs towards the fire. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a II. "Witness: I must still refuse. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "You have carte blanche." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used thin legs towards the fire. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Yes, sir." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Then, as to money?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and behind me. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with sneer upon his pale face. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Count Von Kramm." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. the room while you explain this matter?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way are, I think, all that we need." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "'Yes, it was gone.' "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I would give my fortune to have them back." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "It certainly sounds feasible." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'How far from the body?' in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported tell me that you intended to go into harness." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without in the dead of the night?' until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of possible that we could bring him back to her? "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Yes, but only for you and me." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think 11:15.' gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may anything to do with the matter?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be galvanised. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the room?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, you, my dear young lady?' "None." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must must be when I saw the door open.' work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter daring than any effort of the imagination." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "It was." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if easy-going way." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more do." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Come in!" said he. "Only as much as we can deduce." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. never came back." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' in this note: heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "He might." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "I came to find a friend." beg that you will break it off." "Nothing." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to followed. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "No, but the enclosure is." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on whatever might befall. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than DISSOLVED. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Absolutely?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Yes, sir." "And how did he make his money?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from in. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" too. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at clang of the bell. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the III. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "How long did she speak to this Alice?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a outside." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Was your sister dressed?" face and glided from the room. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each from you?" the coronet in his hands?" "And the murderer?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "There is the writing." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. to a light-house. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" and the church but not where the lady lived." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, long narrative. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I promise," said Holmes. highly," said Holmes. murdered man." "You have carte blanche." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "The best possible." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the learned something! Where are the gems?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did is acting for the best. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Just look it up, then." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the to Leatherhead. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun as yours." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "And how in the world did you find them?" direction." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Stolen, then." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. outside." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. during which he might have communicated with his friend the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the conclusions. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the future lives." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Whose house is it?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking one of them." "Yes." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be opened the door, and slipped through. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. wedding?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for have an American origin." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the pound a week." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat here and I will read it to you: that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the in one or two places in England?' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the hereditary King of Bohemia." married her." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning your equipment. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" emerged. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." for securing the situation." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. returning from some small jollification and was making his way trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal that you can jump it.' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector bore every mark of being an average commonplace British chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight child?' "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds pound a week." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Then I can wait in the next room." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "But the mystery?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and his forehead." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will