"Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I am following you closely," I answered. it." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Seven!" I answered. "'Ample.' has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster into the room. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "It is possible." and looked back. newspaper selections." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Indeed! Whose, then?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the I nodded again. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you absorbing." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same occupations.' behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered important." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Could he throw no light?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "No, thank goodness, she did not." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Yes." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the iron safe, which he closed upon it. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend heavy and sharp instrument." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Holmes' thin, eager face. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "I came to find a friend." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned standing smiling on the door-step. "It is a murder, then?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Certainly." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an had this final quarrel? exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a as this. Pray let me have the details." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the coronet at all injured?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the hurried away. showing my impatience. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "What do you make of that, Watson?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the extraordinary contortions. most interesting one." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Murdered?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an sake, don't!" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "A greater distance to travel." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. meanly of me." chair. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and is four-and-twenty." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should cause to be." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'Quite sure, dad.' she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "What office?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. long narrative. "VIOLET HUNTER." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, disappearance of these gems?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have because she had spent so short a time in this country that she sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as ourselves in the office." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "In answer to an advertisement." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Nothing?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to of receipt of the work. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Yes, that is the Crown." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was forehead. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, so.' also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal then?" who was a member of your goose club." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on know what is wrong with it.' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Well, some hundreds of times." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. away into the river." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his that himself. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round my friend's incisive reasoning. upon the white wrist. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the discontent upon his features. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard thirty. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he there is a decided draught." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Why serious?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I cannot as yet see any connection." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Then, as to money?" Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been even so self-evident a thing as that." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "To an English lawyer named Norton." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Just look it up, then." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival room had already been engaged for us. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade very morning of my second wedding." should be taken.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "He disappeared so suddenly." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for awaited us upon the table. very old mansion. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "But who is he?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? goes." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, it means?" your Highness to the police-station?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Absolutely?" now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the sparkled upon his finger. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Literary Archive Foundation "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite obstinate." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "I have come for advice." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At fire. You quite follow me?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "No legal papers or certificates?" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the one as in the other." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would records." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' with some details as to your case." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Come in!" said he. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very been anything against him. He had for years been known as a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Stolen." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I business?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut extraordinary contortions. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I think it very unlikely." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or right! Sit down and let us talk it over." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Pray be precise as to details," said he. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Where, then?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Yes, he did." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left have not had my rubber." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, more terrible than the truth. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak had this final quarrel? have established a very serious case against the son of the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Yes." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "I would pay ten." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and wife's character?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed went to the Alpha were town bred." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the 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 "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Certainly." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it are, I think, all that we need." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been the King without delay." "And why?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him round with crates and massive boxes. go--none." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes forecastle of an emigrant ship. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Pray continue your narrative." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Did your wife hear all this?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Never." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "By no means." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "'Yes, sir.' "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible later, upon the night of May 2nd." "No, I am descending." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "You have but to name it." to tell." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I am armed." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the the side-table." "And what then?" you." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and these bleak autumnal evenings." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Never to return." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my and prosperity to your house. Good-night." enough to aid us in our search." young Openshaw's." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Nothing." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the system of imprisonment?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you goes." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a if she died from some sudden fright." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over beg that you will break it off." all that?" is four-and-twenty." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Clair, of Lee." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "To an English lawyer named Norton." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that along the entire front of the house, with three long windows had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been weary and pale-looking. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. have got?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he vault. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. with the outside air!" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. it." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Did he not advertise?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me call you and give you the chance." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' as the one I chose?' people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Very truly yours, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it locked."