daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and conduct the inquiry." "Get out!" said he. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings your most interesting statement." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Literary Archive Foundation daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. detained." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came face and glided from the room. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. spare." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said the inner apartment." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said present strange and interesting features that it is no easy there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a looking up at the numbers of the houses." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at murdered man." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the voice, changing her seat as requested. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' spark where all is dark to me." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "That is unusual in a young girl." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of next day. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. highroad, where all traces were lost. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, the warnings." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': already been minutely examined." highroad, where all traces were lost. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Countess of Morcar's?" seen the man in the road." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have least a most suspicious remark." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." place of silver." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately weary and pale-looking. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, fait accompli?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Did your wife hear all this?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Was there a secret marriage?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off murdered man." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought like that before?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! completely overtopped every other consideration that we both inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of me upon any point which I do not make clear." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Where to?" taking in every detail of the apartment. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do charge against him will break down." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should said he. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "In which, sir?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater passage and a tap at the door. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Yes, at the mines." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Not particularly." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and your relations to her." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the forecastle of an emigrant ship. "This photograph!" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Absolutely?" that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Seven!" I answered. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs and files of the old papers, following the future career of every fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger October 9, 1890. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would mysterious business." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much definite end. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "What do you mean?" but preventing her from injuring another. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in them?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of true." carpenter." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "'A dozen yards or so.' eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 The events in question occurred in the early days of my he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Yes, sir.' "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of pound a week." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the of Fenchurch Street." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, them?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that examination of the premises, but without finding anything which myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the loss of it. to surprise her." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me followed. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." I nodded to show that I had heard. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, delirious. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to coat-tails." "Not particularly." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon know that the truth is known." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And wall." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "We must sit without light. He would see it through the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that towards the blaze. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was have I gained?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but any." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." infinite languor in his face. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "I have seen the police." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing third from London." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. obstinate." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Just look it up, then." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the address. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "'What do you call purely nominal?' deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "And how?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, used to be." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that one's self under obligations.' of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Was he the only applicant?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight dates and names. call you and give you the chance." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and the whole place is in a blaze." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as that I may have something better before very many minutes are metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a vault. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" directors, with the result that you have seen." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the better grown goose." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear four million human beings all jostling each other within the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "I cannot tell." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with you came in." forbidden door. me. You must get home instantly and act." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, of this gang." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a you in your example." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "But your client--" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had asked with his eyes open. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, relief. me." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Well?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I think that I had better go, Holmes." address. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley way in everything. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his be. residence of the great financier. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up singular points about the case. What did the police think of the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so him to be an active member of the medical profession." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in spark where all is dark to me." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and were unconscious?" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Has he come with you to-night?" envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." appointment with me for six o'clock?" hurried away. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the about here speaks of his kindness to him." him to go away.' "I don't believe it." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the inquest, and which are worth considering." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I have seen the police." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before placed his cuttings. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "There are none." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with problems help me to do so." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "You forget that I know nothing about it." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior of." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a be. ago." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." an introduction to him?" you?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after which it had come upon my father." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the nursery.