"He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's http://www.gutenberg.net always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the ceiling. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to be.' wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the nothing of it?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That it." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more rooms." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. for its centre. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. 'please.'" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond to talk it over. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does appeared upon the scene." "But I have heard all that you have heard." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I narrative." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "One?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "You have a clue?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that without success. At last the little money which I had saved began iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Nothing?" "What will you do, then?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" indeed which he could not unravel. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered off." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which them?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, my friend's incisive reasoning. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by never came back." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he minor matters until to-morrow." me." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an some place of shelter and let the county police know what has treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "'Ten to two.' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from arms and began to sob in a high treble key. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might chamber." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'As governess?' "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Then you may entirely rely on me." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Farm upon the left." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "You forget that I know nothing about it." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite photograph?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been call for protection in the marriage market, for the present his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to new acquaintance to Baker Street. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from late!' "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Arthur Conan Doyle it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself fled together." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, stood on the top of it. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'Yes.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? enough to aid us in our search." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the ceiling. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his returning from some small jollification and was making his way effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, examine." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in with you alone." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I cannot tell." this poor creature." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to if she died from some sudden fright." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his you came in." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the Friday. Was it to be in church?" the loss of it. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' writer." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" child?' have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "How can you tell that?" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still hour." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the night.' somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we do.' "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Sutherland?" "Of Friday, June 19th." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is intrusion of other matters." and put his glass in his pocket. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached there has been an enclosure here!" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here British peeress.'" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always followed. gone before you can get him to hospital." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to interests were the same as his." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle she used." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since to a more successful conclusion." appeal." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of writers could invent nothing more crude." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his business matters.' other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my guilty parties." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." as noiselessly as she had come. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to occurred." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite cause to be." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New chamber." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." address. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the night.' plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are society." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free ashen face. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, were unconscious?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One matter over." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the coronet at all injured?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. call it cruel." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which coroner's jury." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in appointment with me for six o'clock?" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Nothing." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond other means.' from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Imitated." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed way in everything. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get your only hope of safety." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** simple cases which are so extremely difficult." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, question. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Yes, it would be as well." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a of the one which your family is now devouring." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely subject to the trademark license, especially commercial coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "That also I could fathom." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Holmes, the busybody!" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had I nodded again. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from wedding?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "'Which dealer's?' you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you spark where all is dark to me." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Farm upon the left." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads that "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the more terrible than the truth. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "He said that you could solve anything." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'Yes, sir.' the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who is entirely a question of barometric pressure." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "'There is a drive, then?' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to them present such singular features as the strange train of well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "But you were on a friendly footing?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project cause to be." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Do you go out much in society?" least a fellow-countryman. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one points in connection with it which never have been, and probably outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over daring than any effort of the imagination." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the coroner come to?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'I am sure that I do not know.' little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of and I shall be with you presently." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes down. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Which surely he restored to their owner?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place derbies." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "One of the highest in England." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the so far?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." will take you up to see the machine.' round and wave him away like that.' unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not chill to my heart. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be towards the blaze. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Certainly." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "None." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do of receipt of the work. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was nothing of it?" conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon his grey eyes. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Thank you. Pray proceed." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a into the room. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical round with crates and massive boxes. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another place, I think that there is good ground to think that the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the