The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "The best possible." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very union?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Why serious?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. questioning and rather startled gaze. rooms." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I cannot imagine." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Yes. He waved his hands." "It is no ordinary one." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper over with notes and figures. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then meant." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some is four-and-twenty." "There is the writing." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident heavily into it. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger over here." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "That was it, sir." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Pray let us have it, for all that." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Was he the only applicant?" "I would pay ten." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, to Leatherhead. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the bears upon the case?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching four million human beings all jostling each other within the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than 'I should be able to look after that for you.' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' union?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "I have come for advice." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off were new raised from a basin. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, or in danger--" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Yes, from Horsham." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled he. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, soul! here is her carriage at the door." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I think that it is very probable." "But we can't all be." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" residence of the great financier. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "You are hungry," I remarked. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a away into the river." exactly what you advise." "'Yes, sir.' took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and never will be, entirely cleared up. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "But I am all in the dark." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his that he will be back before evening." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "What can you not understand?" companion. way in everything. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Eyford at 11:15.' Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he photograph?" the south-west, I see." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Pool. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Then I do not see the point." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. yards of it?' passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "How did he come?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his out of this horrible affair." that you wished to speak to me?' attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into know what is wrong with it.' public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was or in danger--" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom promised to bring home. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to look dissatisfied." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. so far?" mysterious business." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a in a very precise fashion." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email not come at once?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Mrs. Toller serenely. grasp, he hurried from the room. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "No." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my dates and names. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "9th. McCauley cleared. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "What, then?" enough to aid us in our search." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most very old mansion. murdered man." happened." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it taking in every detail of the apartment. copied or distributed: old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I obstinate." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be keep the flames under. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down at once, for I have only half an hour." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I are windows in it, of course?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman been shamefully used." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very take the flies, but not before." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'It is locked up,' I answered. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an already referred to. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back it means?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the salesman. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "'Why that?' I asks. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are residence of the great financier. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley allusion to a rat. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "And how did you find out?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken country, and eventually married, without anyone having a you." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. of a light. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." dates and names. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week been able to understand it, in a very few words. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "'Never.' in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew guilty one." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words several quiet little villages up there." name is different." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Oh, the cause is excellent!" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the this unhappy family?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy call you and give you the chance." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "But how will you look?" pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard fait accompli?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of works. See paragraph 1.E below. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his tail." secret." confronted him. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had away to you." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still knowledge of the world." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "That is possible." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "He might." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." respectable self." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "So I have heard." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to forebodings. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Did he not advertise?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being get the tickets." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "But who is he?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I think it very unlikely." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Breckinridge is his name." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' vault. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Could he throw no light?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, colonel looking down at me. went to the Alpha were town bred." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "You did not overhear what they said?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss so.' that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Clair, of Lee." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "No?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it