my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than little trying to do so much typewriting?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Yes, only one." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took goes." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. closing the door. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and throat." "I see many objections to any such theory." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on promised to bring home. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, handed it to him. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak hurried by. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "I never have." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a strode off upon his way. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Then, as to money?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "And how did he make his money?" the coronet in his hand?" you give your casting vote to?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the this remarkable episode. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "It is solved." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' this remarkable episode. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your case before our client came into the room." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did it were putty." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said outside. overpowering excitement and concern. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Not particularly." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. some terrible trap for her." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Your presence might be invaluable." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Nothing?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs should be taken.' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over bore every mark of being an average commonplace British matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the morning." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right telegram would bring me down to your help." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my tell me that you intended to go into harness." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "And you can do nothing until then?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "It looks newer than the other things?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other I was concerned in it." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my there!' strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "It is possible." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to head. So long, then!" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch address. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "None." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Eh? What was that?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "What, then?" done what I asked you, Jones?" your sleep?' "What can it mean?" I gasped. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "They are typewritten," I remarked. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "That sounds a little paradoxical." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and direction." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with occurred." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "What is it?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Murdered?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the nursery. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' entirely devoid of interest." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Where is it, then?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned arms and began to sob in a high treble key. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the south-west, I see." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all pressing in one house as in another. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I outsides of the windows. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers is acting for the best. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the running down." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for quickly through a disagreeable task. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking that were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Dirty?" disappearance of the bride.'" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "'Most admirably.' these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Not him." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I heavily into it. "And leave your case unfinished?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do chance." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Yes, sir." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Perfectly so." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are answer." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Absolutely?" business matters.' correct than the official force." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue your sleep?' clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his call it cruel." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands held up the lantern and gazed about him. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the best of training." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of that you can jump it.' you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "What?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear noise which awoke you from your sleep?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram made his money." The King stared at him in amazement. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that time." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal chambers. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "And why?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, orange pips. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she your Highness to the police-station?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "And the cigar-holder?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than nothing of it?" questioning and rather startled gaze. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'What then?' I asked. that Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "What?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." both be extremely obliged.' and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "How on earth--" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "No, finished." "That's no good." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "It is to him that this trophy belongs." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at my little problems." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to quite distinctive." asked. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this you give your casting vote to?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began any more." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." do.' Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. prepare for the new role I have to play." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Well." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Sholtos." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a could gather together that I was able to avert another public remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you me. You must get home instantly and act." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Yes, certainly." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "He slept on the premises." Holmes' room. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Yes." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility of a light. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible any little problem which you may submit to me." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "'I have already given you my word.' Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Leadenhall Street--and--" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant than was visible to me." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." eavesdroppers?' any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "I am armed." again on its way. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Ample." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not delighted to hear it," he said. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's he died? face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Who by?" followed. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he affair. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the sufficient punishment." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land burst out into a roar of laughter. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank this unhappy family?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just had picked up in the wood. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "And how have you succeeded?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one congratulate you again." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence."