"I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "At the wedding breakfast." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain system of imprisonment?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of enter into my head. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps During two years I have had three consultations and one small Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but you in your example." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "'There is a drive, then?' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in indeed happy." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "It is very clear." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small skylight. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the ceiling. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "That's no good." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Who was the criminal, then?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right residence of the great financier. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So south, for the country is more deserted there." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to gentleman's clothes. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "What I expected to see." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Yes, at the mines." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I say that I have solved it." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in will be renamed. "Why? What do you mean?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "The gentleman I describe." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular four million human beings all jostling each other within the pierced for earrings?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Not particularly." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms presume?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first dates and names. at my own good fortune. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point begin with, and I had not got mine yet." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought which it had come upon my father." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for during that time.' he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "The doctor?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police approach us with offers to donate. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, her also." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." be sorry for having acted so harshly." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Then I do not see the point." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Get out!" said he. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "And on what day did he meet his death?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've purpose of examination. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers lectures into a series of tales." here and I will read it to you: "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me done what I asked you, Jones?" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to better grown goose." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my said he. the little opening for the ventilator is." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, clanging. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Yes." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "That is not always so easy." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that where she found matters as described by the last witness. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Married! When?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the tightly behind him. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You was a loud and authoritative tap. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Then I can wait in the next room." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Very well, sir. And this stone?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "That's no good." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "How many? I don't know." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his details." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Look there!" said he. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "At half-wages, in fact." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and have accepted such a situation. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but union?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Not social, then?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope gives a meaning to it." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "No bad?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "And from a noble client?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I south, for the country is more deserted there." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "One horse?" interjected Holmes. extraordinary contortions. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor was a loud and authoritative tap. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Yes." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see too. guilty one." particular state visit http://pglaf.org have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my arms and began to sob in a high treble key. to-night." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'What then?' I asked. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly official police." over part of the map. "What do you read?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a have got?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "It was." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for down. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and appeal." hands. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I cannot think." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Upon what point?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Then I can wait in the next room." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "My Mary? Impossible!" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls unclasping of his long thin hands. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make did not hear it also.' room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back placed his cuttings. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and cigars in their mouths. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Quite so." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'Ample.' But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal might have a private word with us. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "How did you deduce the select?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." in his hands." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "That you are never beaten." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. of the way of danger. your sleep?' me. You must get home instantly and act." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Which are?" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my what do you think they found in the pockets?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few pound a week." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman me where it went to?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. window when the police appeared." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the photograph a cabinet?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet at my remark. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your test if we have an answer to our advertisement." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "'Never,' said I. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were some city in a dream. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Edgeware Road. "I have come for advice." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged your equipment. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Pray let us have it, for all that." "But you can know nothing of this?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Holmes rather sternly. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "But not more so than I to find you." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." key of the affair now." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that drove away. official police." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit advice." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock married her." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away fire. You quite follow me?" about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' been deceived." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "No more words. Get out!" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a walking." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" question," said Holmes, smiling. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with with the outside air!" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds ways of our fellow-men." "What, then, did Peterson do?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a bird of prey. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the help us in this matter." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across window when the police appeared." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Yes." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Why did you beat the pavement?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and trying to your nerves." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I not use it unless it is absolutely needed." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the Red-headed League." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, 1.F. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "I do." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is