number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his was already answered. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall some water from a caraffe. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and of the way of danger. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or putting in the horse. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. legal crime." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your gone. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Literary Archive Foundation been with you?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Thank you. And your address?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your redistribution. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send whereabouts. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I colour had been driven from his face. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. all-comprehensive glances. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers of a light. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind would then never go into court at all." were new raised from a basin. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said and I shall be with you presently." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for to-night?" I asked. had formerly been in part my own. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most distance from the station, and there we found the young lady back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am forecastle of an emigrant ship. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this in his hands." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you client, rising. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Yes." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "What office?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Was the window open?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a be best to do. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. yet." "The murder was done with it." where she found matters as described by the last witness. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I cannot imagine." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day a room. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "'I have heard so.' broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email 'please.'" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a question," said Holmes, smiling. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the business in the City. She little knew what. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, and laid it on the table. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay From what you have told me I think that it is possible that effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "I would give my fortune to have them back." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "No legal papers or certificates?" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the fear." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Then I am your man." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" enter into my head. with her." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an that he will be back before evening." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. these bleak autumnal evenings." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Never." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection dates and names. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the charge against him will break down." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Then he might have called to you?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to your sleep?' out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This very morning of my second wedding." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Yes." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "But the mystery?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which you?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Ample." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You shall not find me ungrateful." "Stoke Moran?" said he. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously in darkness. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "I came to find a friend." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. business in the City. She little knew what. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' comes from the middle window." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning instituted." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the point in the dark hollow of his hand. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put to a light-house. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key is worth.' platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, whereabouts. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Precisely." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the get the tickets." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Street. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "What!" he roared. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by held up the lantern and gazed about him. placed his cuttings. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle advice." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Yes." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand observed. back into the street. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring only touch the interest." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "You are hungry," I remarked. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill wedding?" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Pool. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of have an American origin." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "No, I am descending." my secret was safe in his possession. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "In San Francisco, a year ago." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away examination of the premises, but without finding anything which grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the retorted upon me, and I on you." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "What can you not understand?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination mysterious business." said I. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my present." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' rat could hardly pass through." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for respectable self." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." time." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the was feeling which was the fattest.' three fields round his house, and there he would take his d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, himself to tell his story. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the little opening for the ventilator is." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Perfectly so." Edgeware Road. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our him to go away.' lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there searched, without anything being found which could incriminate astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an outside." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but words came to my lips. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the father's young wife. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all you found me to-night--and running through the front room she I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties point in the dark hollow of his hand. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave name is different." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his outsides of the windows. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion happened." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "If I can be of use." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with of note-paper. It read in this fashion: room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Certainly." me." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and events, Mr. Windibank!" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from anything to a woman, for she would have her way." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "I promise," said Holmes. "But what is it you wish?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter notes," he said. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "The King of Scandinavia." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Yes." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the village inn over there?" "Where is it, then?" "I would pay ten." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in in my life." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Young McCarthy must be got off, however." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "What have you done?" asked Holmes. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but into her hand at the door and which lured her within their some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never remarked. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the answered with a sidelong glance. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of