"'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a that I may have something better before very many minutes are Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. felt?" "And is that all?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "May I see it?" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "My Mary? Impossible!" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I are windows in it, of course?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "To ruin me." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "So I heard. You have him here?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered any." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the that he will be back before evening." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would jewels which you have stolen?' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands room had already been engaged for us. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "I shall be delighted." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four clanging. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been indiscretion." "'In my own bureau.' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible the so-precious time, but come!' again." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "When did it break out?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Proceed, then." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they vanished into the darkness. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Quite so." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "I see many objections to any such theory." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, yards of it?' place, I think that there is good ground to think that the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "I am about to be married." footfalls from the street. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever to affect your life." was a lad." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. gives a meaning to it." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the lectures into a series of tales." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and subject to the trademark license, especially commercial society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads present strange and interesting features that it is no easy fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could putting in the horse. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End together. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your my little problems." four million human beings all jostling each other within the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Holmes rather sternly. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Holmes' thin, eager face. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab success. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my are windows in it, of course?" case before our client came into the room." enter into my head. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "But what harm can there be in that?" you." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. definite end. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I guessed as much." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole of Mr. Rucastle's." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of made his money." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into rose-bushes. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my papers." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "I don't believe it." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I himself to hunt down. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations tapping his fingers upon the table. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I am in hopes that she does." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Then the page we have seen--" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there laugh and put his lips to my ear. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she new duties?' Edgeware Road. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt fact, we may call it conclusive." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "But to whom?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to one else, I think." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table once more for Briony Lodge. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I shall be delighted." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' corner of the building. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "He slept on the premises." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not your Highness to the police-station?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to soul! here is her carriage at the door." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" you do it in twenty minutes!' the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "And why?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given said I. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I not interfere, come what may. You understand?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Will you go?" black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "May I see it?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. waste of energy." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "In the cells." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, of this gang." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I name is different." has little to do with my story." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Foundation a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "But his left-handedness." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly and that he would see to anything that turned up. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party investigation." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or village inn over there?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "He slept on the premises." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the jewels which you have stolen?' man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "No good news?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly whatever might befall. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master disturbance in my wife." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I long narrative. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. window when the police appeared." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" http://gutenberg.net/license). action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the one as in the other." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "He slept on the premises." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' photograph?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch congratulate you again." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air written. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too present." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me This is what he says: "I beg pardon." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I late." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with I think that I could be of assistance to you." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small you understand?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I business matters.' "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he stammered. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose a good hundred miles off by now." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'There is a drive, then?' at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Lee, in the county of Kent." present." once more to my work. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Then I shall certainly come." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we bears upon the case?" take the flies, but not before." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond considering the formidable letters which were received by himself withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "But what will you do?" obstinate." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair touch that coronet?' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. might help us?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "She told me to ask you." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A call it cruel." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'Most admirably.' my friend's incisive reasoning. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to cause to be." what I may call a really hard day's work." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez during that time.' uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand you." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Yes." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" October 9, 1890. ordinary clothes on?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking invisible to me," I remarked. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling was feeling which was the fattest.' following enigmatical notices: horse could go." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair The events in question occurred in the early days of my was a loud and authoritative tap. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "But you have hopes?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "None." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I should be immensely obliged to you." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do which we had just quitted. London for the present?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "You are hungry," I remarked. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in if she died from some sudden fright." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "It certainly sounds feasible." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the best of training." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon examination of the premises, but without finding anything which four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "I was afraid that you were engaged." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged kindly on the shoulder. he died? more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the coronet in his hands?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is straightened it out again. some city in a dream. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should nights." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Then how many are there?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "But what is it you wish?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Precisely." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which is a common subject for conversation. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day.