"I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two my former friend and companion. which we had just quitted. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Leadenhall Street--and--" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are chill to my heart. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it what these perils are?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Certainly." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "You have it, sir, just as it happened." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Then, how do you know?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "And I say east," said my patient. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. friends, not even his own brother. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "But the mystery?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, of them has the shutters up.' more terrible than the truth. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned closing the door. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. some water from a caraffe. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade not, dad?" she asked. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Then I can wait in the next room." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular is now desirous of getting those letters back." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Then the page we have seen--" "Yes, sir." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Pray do so." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Yes." "Did you observe the colour?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained newspaper selections." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, been deceived." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." and looked back. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and absorbing." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get bonnet, and went out." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and copied or distributed: only touch the interest." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. gentleman's clothes. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here lumber-room." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it dates and names. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until fattened it expressly for you.' http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. of receipt of the work. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand it. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Where does the thing come from?' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his ways of our fellow-men." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the letters?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able strong and stiff." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was case before our client came into the room." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had of the one which your family is now devouring." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. was a lad." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the companion quietly. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to your billet.' "'And what are they worth?' I asked. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, you for a few hours?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "No." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Witness: I must still refuse. "What do you make of that, Watson?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin said Mr. Holder. "Then I do not see the point." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "And how did you verify them?" already been minutely examined." certainly do as you advise." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and inquire as to the address." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much ashen face. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, locked. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Witness: Nothing definite. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "And for present expenses?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America way in everything. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "What! Had he lost his wife?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next never will be, entirely cleared up. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Mary, has deserted me." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Stolen." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been hour." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' both be extremely obliged.' "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "An accident, I presume?" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the stones. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey with the outside air!" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with to arrive at through this?" "'Entirely.' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "So I have heard." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which lost nothing by them." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly asked with his eyes open. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. know all about it," he snarled. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "I should like to see him very much." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: call for protection in the marriage market, for the present could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "So it appears." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "That also I could fathom." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I appointment with me for six o'clock?" unprecedented a position." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in speckled band?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Not I." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "It was." from the brougham. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried all-comprehensive glances. my former friend and companion. off." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to shoulder; "he's all right." Mary, has deserted me." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of photograph?" how narrow had been my escape. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the King without delay." there has been an enclosure here!" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "What, then?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every how narrow had been my escape. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried soul! here is her carriage at the door." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Why did you beat the pavement?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their in his hands." "But his lameness?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Indeed! Whose, then?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were had died away into the silence from which it rose. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "9th. McCauley cleared. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day sentimental considerations in the background which would induce asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall fasten all the windows?" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "That is also quite modern," said the lady. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a room?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me might help us?" congratulate you again." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. advice." chair. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Then he might have called to you?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a carried out of court." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the look upon these things in a different way." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Yes. He waved his hands." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to too. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the drawing your inferences." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "If so, much may have happened between." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set he. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' made his money." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming them, and came down just as you departed. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. was keenly on my guard against him. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "It must be recovered." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored be. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I cannot say that I have." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "But what is it you wish?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a in the dead of the night?' room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land himself. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began lost his Christmas dinner." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, whole matter to your consideration." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Look there!" said he. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "So I heard. You have him here?" that I can to serve you." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it is acting for the best. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "No?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own so far?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" past. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him later, upon the night of May 2nd." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. do.' and the colonel ushered me in. pictures, libraries, or plate. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one writer." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that you?' than to us. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. man. I know him from the photograph." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined Countess of Morcar's?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire you?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite