"This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the station." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "And the cigar-holder?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." shall use the carriage to-night." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "And leave your case unfinished?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Not yet." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "He said that you could solve anything." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and dates and names. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "May I see it?" she to prove their authenticity?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted lost nothing by them." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "At half-wages, in fact." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "And I." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "How many? I don't know." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your acted in my house last night?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she she has been waylaid. There has been no result." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Could he throw no light?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the ceiling. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them my former friend and companion. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "You have compromised yourself seriously." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "But how?" "Not particularly." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "I say it is." delirious. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her to some other building. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a had this final quarrel? that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Yes, certainly." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I vanished into the darkness. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two is four-and-twenty." that I am arrested." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master vague figure huddled up in the darkness. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the to-night?" I asked. "Come in!" said Holmes. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "I was afraid that you were engaged." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I ourselves in the office." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone nice household for a young lady." "But not more so than I to find you." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was was keenly on my guard against him. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father wife's character?" "How often?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Yes, that is the Crown." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Where, indeed?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and interests were the same as his." too. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life in the port of London." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is article?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they introspective fashion. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Certainly." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "You have a clue?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the roots. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." in his hands." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then better grown goose." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to written, and locked the door of the office after me. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell go back?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell new acquaintance to Baker Street. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask like gravel from a pit.' office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Literary Archive Foundation presented more singular features than that which was associated tightly behind him. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." third from London." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint important." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." is now desirous of getting those letters back." felt?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "'What then?' I asked. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the wedding?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he said I. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four it? Did I buy the geese off you?" gives a meaning to it." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, tied." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been shoulder; "he's all right." Mrs. Toller serenely. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known his knees, staring into the fire. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight within hail.' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm this man was intellectual?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of amused." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Yes, I have one waiting." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with a little more before I quite committed myself. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near The note was undated, and without either signature or address. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly remarked. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." upon an income of about 60 pounds." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "No sign of it?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No crime." future lives." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Your presence might be invaluable." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my intrusion of other matters." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." call it cruel." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed I shall communicate with you." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "I answered that I had not. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Count Von Kramm." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, mysterious end." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with not as remarkable as your advertisement." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking distance from the station, and there we found the young lady she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as highly," said Holmes. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. knowledge of the world." This is what he says: thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled fasten all the windows?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I husband's writing, madam." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof during that time.' and inquire as to the address." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they which are rolled in Rotterdam." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Here?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his new acquaintance to Baker Street. had formerly been in part my own. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of have not had my rubber." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "He is dead," cried several voices. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or future lives." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. I shall continue with my miserable story. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'I have already given you my word.' where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "They are typewritten," I remarked. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Yes. He waved his hands." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and you give your casting vote to?" to some other building. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "And how in the world did you find them?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. of a light. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are status with the IRS. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the inner apartment." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and thirty. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Get out!" said he. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham envelope. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems his eyes and forehead. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Yes." opportunities to fix the problem. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said against a man in the prime of life?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six some water from a caraffe. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic green of the new foliage. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "'Quite sure, dad.' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I have been better. It is all right." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that