Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. happened." "Here?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." been able to understand it, in a very few words. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the at home. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at burst into a hearty fit of laughter. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works bill, which interests me deeply." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof time." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "This photograph!" "Yes?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Yes, they were peculiar boots." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the little opening for the ventilator is." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and galvanised. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may said I. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, more solid." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of yet." "How are you getting on?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in dead, shall be safe with us." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "What shall I do?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two troubles have been weighing upon his mind. upon a handsome competence. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing your most interesting statement." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, him nearly every evening." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." photograph?" chill to my heart. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in notes," he said. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become true." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" article?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should upon an income of about 60 pounds." nothing of it?" "In San Francisco, a year ago." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Holmes. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every skylight. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with train from Paddington which would bring you there at about conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa strong reason behind." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: then?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, chance at all." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. photograph a cabinet?" man. detained." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that to a more successful conclusion." "I am all attention, madam." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do in him." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "And the cigar-holder?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Proceed, then." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that down in his armchair and closing his eyes. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's think that he is innocent?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated to a more successful conclusion." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, room had already been engaged for us. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem but preventing her from injuring another. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such desk. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so and a shock of very red hair. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any one or two very singular points about this room. For example, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He and the church but not where the lady lived." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "'Certainly,' I answered. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet here and I will read it to you: "Yes." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there to-morrow." "Stolen." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official instituted." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an anything to do with the matter?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "'Most admirably.' "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have legal crime." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of his huge brown hands. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil feature." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers in his power. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. indeed which he could not unravel. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about business came to an end." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have even of instruction." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I have hopes." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "So I heard. You have him here?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted were new raised from a basin. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. go back?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the him!" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "But you were on a friendly footing?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "I don't say that. Perhaps." help us in this matter." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "My opinion is in no way altered." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking power." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "How long did she speak to this Alice?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "We must have a cab." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though taking in every detail of the apartment. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and business?" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the felt?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was it? Did I buy the geese off you?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always sneer upon his pale face. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The to-night?" I asked. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of locked. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Can I be of assistance?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could without a word or a look. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He ashen face. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "It is very kind of you." strength of mind to control. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four them, and came down just as you departed. "Pray let us have it, for all that." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, four million human beings all jostling each other within the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you examine." "One of his hands." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well tell them apart.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From quite distinctive." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Then you may be so with me." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "You are certainly joking, Holmes." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: death." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the whole matter to your consideration." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "And how did you find out?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "ARAT," I read. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Of what?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "I know where it is." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "By no means." there is a decided draught." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Absolutely none." "I have hopes." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and beyond words. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to dead, shall be safe with us." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship is four-and-twenty." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Thank you. And your address?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend companion imperturbably. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular not, dad?" she asked. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a a suggestive one." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "And what did you learn from him?" "I have my revolver," said I. retorted upon me, and I on you." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." arrangements." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "The rest you will leave in our hands." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" father's place of business?" with you alone." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Was there a secret marriage?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her