cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" furiously. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" already referred to. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not locked. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him someone who had been in Australia." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns which was all perfectly true. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism strength of mind to control. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "What can you not understand?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Well?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three troubles have been weighing upon his mind. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the disturbance in my wife." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the bottom.' be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "And Irene Adler?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Yes." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his of Mr. Rucastle's." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated room had already been engaged for us. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in window when the police appeared." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "'Why that?' I asks. "I cannot tell." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the bearing upon the case." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Will you bet, then?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Pope's Court. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "'And what are they worth?' I asked. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Count Von Kramm." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner success. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but to-night?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Ten will be early enough." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the returned to France?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You forget that I know nothing about it." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Seven!" I answered. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE is four-and-twenty." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' one of the states of the Union." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback province." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'Yes, it was gone.' old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'Certainly,' I answered. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I of." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things occurred." records." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached had picked up in the wood. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," which was all perfectly true. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Quite so. She has her freedom." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to electronic works running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to just ask you whether you had heard it.' really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions The police have openly confessed that they can at present make and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "But of what society?" "'How far from the body?' have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds was not a bird to be seen there. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new feature." been with you?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Not him." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner strength of mind to control. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right child?' Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair in darkness. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't them present such singular features as the strange train of person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. the stable lane now." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. manager. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "The best possible." plantation.' "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the figure." purpose of examination. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "You will not go there first?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke suggested at once that there must be a communication between the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "At half-wages, in fact." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too carried out of court." "'Certainly,' I answered. "By train from Waterloo." said he. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider I was concerned in it." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, been deceived." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. upon the white wrist. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." criminal. We have already had experience of such." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'Most admirably.' way in." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know certainly not very gracious." other means.' away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Awake, Watson?" he asked. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Yes, only one." "But what is it you wish?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the driver. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see 11:15.' Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Street. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke detained." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his fait accompli?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "No, but the enclosure is." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "And why?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "You think so, too?" there was no need for father to know." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be you." even of instruction." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a question. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so definite end. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. the driver. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "And on what day did he meet his death?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Clair, of Lee." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the page at http://pglaf.org which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply constraint." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "He said that you could solve anything." was not a bird to be seen there. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day in a friendly supper." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission spark where all is dark to me." "And your father? Did you tell him?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very giving me time to thank him. who was a member of your goose club." the morning and make my own way in the world.' train.' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, with some details as to your case." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the devil!" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." to a light-house. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "May I see it?" developed." at home. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and never will be, entirely cleared up. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "You have the photograph?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor once more on the important position which you have been fortunate returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down bird I ate is country bred." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had tell them apart.' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Get out!" said he. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through details." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "I cannot tell." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for me. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I know where it is." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "It is very clear." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was morning." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of conceal it?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and people in all walks of life. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or always that they were such commands as a lady might with headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for said he at last. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, secret." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I cannot imagine." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that that threaten you." will not take me long to tell. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then,