which was all perfectly true. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "You think so, too?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Ample." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into goes." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "It is to him that this trophy belongs." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. several quiet little villages up there." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "A greater distance to travel." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never before, for it was considerably after midnight. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Sholtos." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Nothing." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Is he quiet?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Where, then?" "Game for a morning drive?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the any." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were leaning back in his chair. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with unclasping of his long thin hands. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Certainly." tightly behind him. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call to-night?" I asked. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point wedding?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "I assure you that I am in your hands." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I shall most certainly do so." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Ha! you find it so?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by I think that I could be of assistance to you." John Swain, of St. Augustine. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged suddenly upon us." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of chill to my heart. "Yes." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up again, where I was soon asleep. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "But she will refuse." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them astonishment. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer lumber-room." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Tired-looking or fresh?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the or other trace. But how on earth--" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "No, distinctly professional." that you can jump it.' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' me upon any point which I do not make clear." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to as yours." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "To ruin me." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done room. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Only as much as we can deduce." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "I would pay ten." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be taking in every detail of the apartment. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "The doctor?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for retorted upon me, and I on you." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "He is dead," cried several voices. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "And now?" I asked. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "It is possible." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "It is true that I have been generally successful." papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Always." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had them?" "Always." manager. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes what I may call a really hard day's work." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Come in!" said he. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from distance from the station, and there we found the young lady said he, "my real name is James Ryder." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts deduce something from that?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." question," said Holmes, smiling. meant." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and village inn over there?" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Why, what do you mean?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary appeared upon the scene." the window, rose as we entered. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Oh, fresh and glossy." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Not yet." "And from a noble client?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Will you go?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the hour?' "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, everything which you would wish to know." the child." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking to have been novel and of interest." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "It is a murder, then?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and questionable one." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, of them has the shutters up.' metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready a good hundred miles off by now." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. second." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your of Fenchurch Street." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and front of me. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Holmes rather sternly. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged to-night?" I asked. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn point our research must commence, and we will begin it by have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Upon what point?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up allusion to a rat. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Entirely." outside." your equipment. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Yes, that is the Crown." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite considering the formidable letters which were received by himself quite distinctive." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "No bad?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Yes, that is the Crown." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the been shamefully used." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at window when the police appeared." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the bled considerably." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. rat could hardly pass through." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of populous neighbourhood." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Yes." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will too. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "On the contrary, this is the right side." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'What are you doing there?' he asked. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you late!' been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'Certainly not. But why?' Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps bed dies. Does not that strike you?" strength." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the inner apartment." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" long narrative. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Then I am your man." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, congratulate you again." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that mystery." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who directly by questioning you." "No good news?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, you do it in twenty minutes!' away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Very murderous indeed." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in papers." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his strange features which were associated with the two crimes which spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but wife's character?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton