the matter?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is fasten all the windows?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, But Holmes shook his head gravely. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face investigation." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "And did you observe any change in her then?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "What then?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I cannot tell." and your relations to her." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "He might." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was beyond words. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project generous with you in money matters.' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "It was an hour's good drive." "By no means." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how became a certainty. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "And I." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. acted in my house last night?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, annoyance, but no jest. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as woven round him. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously appeared upon the scene." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. that, and I came down." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and acted in my house last night?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his directly by questioning you." meant." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he through." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I IS On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'How far from the body?' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, wanted for ourselves." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Yes." assist you in forming an opinion." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and works. See paragraph 1.E below. of." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me know what is wrong with it.' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought direction." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six o'clock is it?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' imbecility!" he cried. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was gentleman's clothes. works. See paragraph 1.E below. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered ago." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "I have solved it." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her gigantic client. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm up this clue while it is still hot." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "No." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "May I see it?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the down. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic conversation I have gathered that they have been married about returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I cannot as yet see any connection." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no upon an income of about 60 pounds." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I am following you closely," I answered. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other back alive. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and guilty parties." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Game for a morning drive?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have like that before?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is voice. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason goes." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "And now?" I asked. I took the paper from him and read as follows: of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" eat it." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, I am not easy in my mind about them." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand to-morrow." "Only as much as we can deduce." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "And now?" I asked. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which tension within him. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young II. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Then he might have called to you?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Have you it here?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "What! You do not mean bodies?" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever delighted to hear it," he said. "Witness: It was. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the bed, and you in that chair." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I don't say that. Perhaps." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry will take you up to see the machine.' anything to do with the matter?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. writer." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at flock.' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "10th. John Swain cleared. the child." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions strong and stiff." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up tell me that you intended to go into harness." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." to have been novel and of interest." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab results." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking thirty. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of power." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming one of them." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Which surely he restored to their owner?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the outsides of the windows. matters immensely." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Have you her photograph?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "But she could not love him." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Tired-looking or fresh?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's narrative." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all front of me. "ARAT," I read. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will to affect your life." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and gentleman's clothes. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. whereabouts. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no tail." horse could go." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I if I call to-morrow?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he his grey eyes. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to she might be summoned. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do lost his Christmas dinner." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet them present such singular features as the strange train of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and http://www.gutenberg.net "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you will find little credit to be gained out of this case." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "What then?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "I say that I have solved it." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "And now?" He raised his hand. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." everything which you would wish to know." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. brandy and water within his reach. "I cannot say that I have." is four-and-twenty." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Could he throw no light?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and had formerly been in part my own. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that I approached. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in have accepted such a situation. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I