those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to fashion which was peculiar to him. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the pictures, libraries, or plate. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this imbecility!" he cried. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in business?" straighten it?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. get her out of the way." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of side. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Eyford at 11:15.' that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger with you?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "No bad?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I that you can jump it.' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to bill, which interests me deeply." at a side door. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my business in the City. She little knew what. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who learned something! Where are the gems?" hands. any little problem which you may submit to me." I held the little printed slip to the light. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "This photograph!" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Then the page we have seen--" Sutherland. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise me. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing lectures into a series of tales." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "By all means." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my he. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "To the police?" one else, I think." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "But what is it you wish?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded point in the dark hollow of his hand. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept foot. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office someone who had been in Australia." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, obstinate." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," bled considerably." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Yes." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "And I to find an enemy." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make whereabouts. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Yes, sir." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, cause to be." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done arrangements." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled possible that we could bring him back to her? considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' was used.' written, and locked the door of the office after me. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "And how did you verify them?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same his face which made him a very different person to the round, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Well, some hundreds of times." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," grasp, he hurried from the room. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them returning from some small jollification and was making his way "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "One?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office father's place of business?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, you in yours." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I cannot imagine." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in address. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have I leave." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the business." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Oh, the cause is excellent!" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "And why?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the suspect him." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." during that time.' "The King of Scandinavia." with her." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "And how have you succeeded?" British peeress.'" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "It looks newer than the other things?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "To ruin me." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "No, I am descending." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have served to weaken the effect. your sleep?' have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position undoubtedly my uncle's." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" papers on the sundial.'" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Quite so. She has her freedom." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in the little opening for the ventilator is." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a over here." "Pray do so." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'Never,' said I. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would you do it in twenty minutes!' me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this and a shock of very red hair. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar cost them two and thirty pounds." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for copied or distributed: something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that me." to some other building. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather breakfast." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key outsides of the windows. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "I shall be delighted." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin stammered. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away used to be." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Then the page we have seen--" lamp. awaited us upon the table. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the coronet at all injured?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are name is different." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young six. Come in!" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Edgeware Road. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the warnings." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting use an arc-and-compass breastpin." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are residence of the great financier. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was whatever might befall. "And now?" I asked. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else colour had been driven from his face. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had them present such singular features as the strange train of already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. cost them two and thirty pounds." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Holmes' face clouded over. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "A confidential servant?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he I nodded again. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the coroner's jury." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was new acquaintance to Baker Street. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she one of the states of the Union." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Why, what do you mean?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely house for five minutes.' would apply.' "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder disappearance of these gems?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary go--none." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions golden eyeglasses. particular state visit http://pglaf.org If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than a very grave face. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "But of what society?" unclasping of his long thin hands. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "But she could not love him." that I may have something better before very many minutes are to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in attention." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "No." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "At the wedding breakfast." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Yes." "And now?" He raised his hand. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem as the one I chose?' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not outside. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, arrested. You then--" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." this as likely?" "I have a cab outside." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of be best to do. in darkness. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "But to whom?" most interesting one." ceremony." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. call for it in person on Monday morning.' suggested at once that there must be a communication between the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to chemical work which was so dear to him. Pool. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." forebodings. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. I have it here in my museum." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few it." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office