delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "What can you not understand?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Holmes rather sternly. "And is that all?" voice. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich heavily into it. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, enter into my head. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary standing smiling on the door-step. and a shock of very red hair. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "But what harm can there be in that?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "That is easily got." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press it." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, was feeling which was the fattest.' a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite colonel looking down at me. "Then how many are there?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. new acquaintance to Baker Street. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a bedroom door." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Who by?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to fuss that is made over them." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Absolutely?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "We were both in the photograph." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily public press." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon entirely lost his self-respect." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "And who is her maid?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like electronic works "Why did you pick him?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which not use it unless it is absolutely needed." man. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do some terrible trap for her." which are rolled in Rotterdam." friend's singular character. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we soul! here is her carriage at the door." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" weary and pale-looking. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and appointment with me for six o'clock?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without anything to do with the matter?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" south, for the country is more deserted there." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Absolutely?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a there in twenty minutes." be sorry for having acted so harshly." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, chambers. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do in. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these weighed down with some great anxiety. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have which are rolled in Rotterdam." never came back." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Why? What do you mean?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel a suggestive one." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales lamp. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. quite distinctive." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. carpenter." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Then what has happened to him?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses back into the street. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but examine." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, rat could hardly pass through." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Where is it, then?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us said I. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Were they all fastened this morning?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I outside. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking outside. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble felt?" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "But you have hopes?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "My dear Holmes!" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "And Miss Sutherland?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something easy-going way." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Stolen." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project British peeress.'" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Of Friday, June 19th." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to ventilator." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "A call for help, you thought?" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Then how many are there?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save skylight. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." seven miles from Eyford Station.' could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "None." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' ourselves in the office." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in enough to aid us in our search." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." newspaper selections." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Get out!" said he. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good himself in a perplexing position. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which families. Now for the facts. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a night.' said he. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his sofa. This way, please!" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two nonsense.' appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "At half-wages, in fact." about here speaks of his kindness to him." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke in his power. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Sholtos." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice characteristics, but those are the more obvious." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father and a shock of very red hair. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I back into the street. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "BALLARAT." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Will you go?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or It may be so in this case, also." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose was keenly on my guard against him. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just at my remark. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "The doctor?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "I am all attention, madam." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her seen the man in the road." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "'Never,' said I. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then chance." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "At half-wages, in fact." "I cannot imagine." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. o'clock is it?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this allusion to a rat. that you saw all that I did." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the points to suicide?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his danger is over." "My Mary? Impossible!" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all http://www.gutenberg.net "Really! You surprise me." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." plantation.' absorbing." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the bed, and you in that chair." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "And Miss Sutherland?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "You horrify me!" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the morning and make my own way in the world.' bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the extraordinary contortions. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" empty. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have 1.E.9. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his beyond words. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in stood on the top of it. in him." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an in one or two places in England?' voice. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Eyford at 11:15.' knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody prison!" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be said I. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever posted to-day." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have fact, we may call it conclusive." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "'Quite sure, dad.' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "How did that help you?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the awaited us upon the table. the dangers which encompass me." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'I shall certainly be there.' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so once more. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately impression behind it as though a window had gently closed gigantic client. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." never to learn it at all." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Look there!" said he. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven a few minutes he said that it would be all right. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "'Which dealer's?' them?"