The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Street. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "How many? I don't know." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His wedding?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to present." that?' propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke to a more successful conclusion." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, details." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "You have compromised yourself seriously." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced are windows in it, of course?" entirely devoid of interest." here." "'Oh, no.' society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly get the tickets." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of friend's singular character. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. less than 26s. 4d. "And help." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which despair." have an American origin." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "No." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person fat-encircled eyes. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "And you thought he was pulled back?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing his forehead." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To retorted upon me, and I on you." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. said he. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential these bleak autumnal evenings." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Have you good authority for what you say?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love about here speaks of his kindness to him." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and papers diligently of late, have you not?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. light and attacked it." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he the dangers which encompass me." "'What, the red-headed man?' I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Well, it is a possible supposition." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the matter?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and with her." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "What then?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." you?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that read over the extraordinary announcement. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the and effective." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "But how?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself more terrible than the truth. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple here." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Bought." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Then I can wait in the next room." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "You did not overhear what they said?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "And from a noble client?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think entirely lost his self-respect." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, cheerful." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this test if we have an answer to our advertisement." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. get the tickets." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, of a light. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day leave you to your papers for a little." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an learned something! Where are the gems?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through power." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "No bad?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, few hundred pounds.' although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Was he the only applicant?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I don't believe it." which our visitor detailed to us. manager. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. that there was nothing in it, after all." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Yes." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your burst into a hearty fit of laughter. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "When did it break out?" delighted to hear it," he said. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. outsides of the windows. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it such attractions and accomplishments?' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in returning from some small jollification and was making his way was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "I should wish to." "Why? What do you mean?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'What then?' I asked. "Yes, but only for you and me." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "And help." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Did you become engaged then?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the window, rose as we entered. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "I don't say that. Perhaps." it." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then night.' said he. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon instituted." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months weighed down with some great anxiety. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a his grey eyes. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, me where it went to?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official leaning back in his chair. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the stones. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer companion quietly. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and manager. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are foot. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing unprofitable." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "You have compromised yourself seriously." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, meant it for the best. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Stolen." "Nothing?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned conduct the inquiry." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the night.' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. as the one I chose?' down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy floor. "But his lameness?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Lee, in the county of Kent." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "We must have a cab." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Of Friday, June 19th." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. him. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., his knees, staring into the fire. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence bed dies. Does not that strike you?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern records." in the port of London." orange pips. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" mystery." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter derbies." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing this man was intellectual?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose your co-operation." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer ago." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your is acting for the best. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both quick march!" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Yes, the wine-cellar." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "What of the rat, then?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this investigation." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think and looked back. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass before, for it was considerably after midnight. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you he bowed and left the room without another word. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Have you good authority for what you say?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never he. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have the bed, and you in that chair." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the existence." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in my secret was safe in his possession. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem must compliment you." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "In San Francisco, a year ago." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New the loss of it. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic wedding?" only touch the interest." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Well." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Yes." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout this as likely?" "And who is her maid?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I shall most certainly do so." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Holmes, the busybody!" of the vacancies.' "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to with some details as to your case." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' business matters.' extraordinary contortions. and capable of preserving a secret.' things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think as this. Pray let me have the details." "I have solved it." such attractions and accomplishments?' were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "But how?" as the one I chose?' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, cigars in their mouths. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "She walked into the breakfast-room." had formerly been in part my own. which was all perfectly true. like gravel from a pit.' "'I have already given you my word.' fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost at my remark. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She