All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope photograph?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you cheerful." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "No sign of it?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may II. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away lost nothing by them." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get were new raised from a basin. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice your only hope of safety." "'In my own bureau.' savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought question," said Holmes, smiling. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the beg that you will break it off." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal astonishment. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "From his hat?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have himself. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most off." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. crime." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture call you and give you the chance." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I certainly do as you advise." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was asked with his eyes open. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a might have a private word with us. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that tell me that you intended to go into harness." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "'There is a drive, then?' "That is possible." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless gone. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Dirty?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known bearing upon the case." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was before, for it was considerably after midnight. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "How did you deduce the select?" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon attention." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I one of them." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "I never have." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the o'clock is it?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of London for the present?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a electronic works quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most have accepted such a situation. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Miss Holder?" photograph a cabinet?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Very murderous indeed." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "You don't mind breaking the law?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread once more to my work. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. past. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the important." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to to tackle the facts." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were father's young wife. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself quick march!" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as what is your own theory as to what took place?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I promise," said Holmes. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that three fields round his house, and there he would take his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich touch that coronet?' question," said Holmes, smiling. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Yes?" seen the man in the road." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped front of the hall door has given its name to the place. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Nearly eleven." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Holmes." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "I have my revolver," said I. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "When did she vanish, then?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "'Never,' said I. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to over his head with a sweet womanly caress. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss chemical work which was so dear to him. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "But his lameness?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for get the tickets." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which there were so many in the whole country as were brought together whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Yes. He waved his hands." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and nothing with him." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it danger is over." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Very truly yours, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, second." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the arrangements." begun to whiten, even as mine has." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Holmes." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "And why in hopes?" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There noting anything else of interest. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Nothing." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "I shall be delighted." the loss of it. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant ways of our fellow-men." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of so.' "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make straighten it?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." heavy and sharp instrument." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "How did he come?" finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "I think that it is very probable." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to o'clock is it?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "'How far from the body?' "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "What I expected to see." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the Red-headed League." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, ago." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his that?' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, enough to aid us in our search." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which gone. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "I will not look." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "It was." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever friends, not even his own brother. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "And you thought he was pulled back?" time." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "What have you to say now?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive how narrow had been my escape. behind me. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Were they all fastened this morning?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Then what has happened to him?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any business matters.' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "And you thought he was pulled back?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Well?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom pictures, libraries, or plate. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "In heaven's name, what for?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. from you?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, following enigmatical notices: surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." with the outside air!" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every and your relations to her." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & question you as to those details which seem to me to be most address. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt hereditary King of Bohemia." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such back into the street. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "And how in the world did you find them?" voice. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. knowledge of the world." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, ready to-morrow?' time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an front of me. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "None." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed just called myself is not exactly my own." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "'Ten to two.' called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the quick march!" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Seven!" I answered. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical everything which you would wish to know." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been wanted for ourselves." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that again before evening." His smile broadened. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Never." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given disappearance of these gems?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler was already answered. pierced for earrings?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have careless servant girl?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." showing my impatience. will be renamed. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your observed. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. is now desirous of getting those letters back." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce