were wasted." "'Is purely nominal.' grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "So I am. Very much so." III. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence there." electronic works "Get out!" said he. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "I cannot imagine." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Miss Holder?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "The decline of his fortunes, then?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his horse could go." system of imprisonment?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "That is not always so easy." footfalls from the street. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. father's young wife. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "He slept on the premises." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." of his shoulders. will he say when he returns?" the Assizes." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Why, what do you mean?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." to talk it over. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. quickly through a disagreeable task. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "I came to find a friend." residence of the great financier. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way there." "Did your wife hear all this?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' fait accompli?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There said I. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "From his hat?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out wanted for ourselves." "'It is locked up,' I answered. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with see me here to avoid scandal." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled to tackle the facts." beyond words. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock mystery." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I to take care of herself." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay in his hands." beyond words. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot very morning of my second wedding." went to the Alpha were town bred." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Entirely." better grown goose." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Absolutely?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had himself. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in is four-and-twenty." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Proceed, then." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger congratulate you again." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "'Yes, I promise.' and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "This concluded the examination of the witness." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little present strange and interesting features that it is no easy and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to hopeless attempt at recovering them." "That is it on the dressing-table." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers would then never go into court at all." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and your billet.' but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "How are you getting on?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. were unconscious?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the fattened it expressly for you.' my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was been." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." your troubles." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would subject to the trademark license, especially commercial glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "What will you say?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the during that time.' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed unclasping of his long thin hands. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a evidence," I remarked. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was words came to my lips. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, I. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted and effective." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Upon what point?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works in this note: did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Deserted you?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "You have a clue?" placed his cuttings. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I lumber-room." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "To the police?" "May I see it?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Entirely." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is towards the blaze. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "9th. McCauley cleared. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "And it is--" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set there!' "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then laugh and put his lips to my ear. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "How about poison?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Not particularly." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to of your young ladies.' "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to occupations.' your co-operation." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "And Irene Adler?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it must be when I saw the door open.' line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Sholtos." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "By no means." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project with the outside air!" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a envelope. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" how narrow had been my escape. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it test if we have an answer to our advertisement." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon photograph?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "No, distinctly professional." "Not I." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the to me. "He is dead," cried several voices. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I say that I have solved it." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he cheerful." presume?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Then he might have called to you?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by attention." Project Gutenberg-tm works. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "At half-wages, in fact." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other you understand?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the you?' about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed formed some opinion?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood cup of tea. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in 11:15.' him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to sparkled upon his finger. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted a room. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the was a lad." DAMAGE. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, man. I know him from the photograph." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, begun to whiten, even as mine has." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here neither fascinating nor artistic." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I cannot say that I have." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "And the cigar-holder?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. less than 26s. 4d. do." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in my secret was safe in his possession. Again Holmes raved in the air. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for comes from the middle window." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him that I can to serve you." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the that I can to serve you." "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his said Mr. Holder. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out introspective fashion. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Well, it is a possible supposition." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin our word." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "To an English lawyer named Norton." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were what these perils are?" http://gutenberg.net/license). "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might way: quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. approach us with offers to donate. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "My private note-paper." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson mystery." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for appointment with me for six o'clock?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. and that he would see to anything that turned up. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." astonishment. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "In which, sir?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been of it with the greatest attention. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "You horrify me!" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Heh?' run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and gone. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, make me his representative both with the servants and with the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Stoke Moran?" said he. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the