tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Yes." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through legal crime." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in again, where I was soon asleep. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the date of his supposed suicide." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his trying to your nerves." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the devil!" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the Assizes." careless servant girl?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "By train from Waterloo." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, him to be an active member of the medical profession." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. compunction about shooting them down." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a quite distinctive." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo himself to hunt down. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of bell. Holmes whistled. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will whole matter to your consideration." "At what time?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on away into the river." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the them present such singular features as the strange train of flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if what I may call a really hard day's work." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I would give my fortune to have them back." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "She will not sell." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "No, I had a dozen." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, of this gang." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and a shock of very red hair. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is security.' "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall never to learn it at all." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "That sounds a little paradoxical." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any to miss it." the best of training." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Married! When?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little telegram would bring me down to your help." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little you?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had my special province." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you you?" side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible results." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand see a sister of mine apply for." "'A dozen yards or so.' "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have nights." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Perhaps I have." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Then you may entirely rely on me." photograph a cabinet?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself be. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the window, rose as we entered. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his unclasping of his long thin hands. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the nonsense.' "No bad?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is fact, we may call it conclusive." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert tail." business came to an end." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go and effective." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "No, I think that I'll take it." "And you don't know his address?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of one which it was hard to resist. ordinary clothes on?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As himself. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little than was visible to me." "'Never,' said I. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Has he come with you to-night?" main points of my analysis." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to situation." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I know where it is." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with a few minutes he said that it would be all right. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "VIOLET HUNTER." "No, I am descending." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and not personally threatened." horse could go." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after asked. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "It looks newer than the other things?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'What then?' I asked. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Entirely." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the himself. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "But he might be a bachelor." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Really! You surprise me." copied or distributed: "Yes." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend good-night and bustled off upon her way. the general public were present, then?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking of the one which your family is now devouring." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. October 9, 1890. "I think it very unlikely." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Certainly, madam." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he take the flies, but not before." "Look there!" said he. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "And who is her maid?" His name is Francis Prosper." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "I cannot tell." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to fear." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." seen the man in the road." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously tightly behind him. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my anything to a woman, for she would have her way." in my life." "My own seal." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, enough to aid us in our search." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually name is different." quick march!" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his suggested at once that there must be a communication between the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "'It is locked up,' I answered. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the we went to search for him, face downward in a little status with the IRS. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Then I am your man." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a lumber-room." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at situation." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, suspect him." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in of the vacancies.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you directors have had misgivings upon the subject." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "I was afraid that you were engaged." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which may never be exposed to such a temptation." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Project Gutenberg-tm works. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the notes," he said. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy crime. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for least a most suspicious remark." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his one of them." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the affection." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Henry Baker is a member." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "My dear Holmes!" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "That is it on the dressing-table." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my must compliment you." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I on re-entering her father's house?" purpose equally well?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having just ask you whether you had heard it.' lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, do you make of it all?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. head. So long, then!" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Did you become engaged then?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "I think it very unlikely." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their then?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position security.' in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the matter." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'Yes, sir.' yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come business at Coburg Square is serious." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for ways including including checks, online payments and credit card cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in written. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the any." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my to-night." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "To an English lawyer named Norton." appeal." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is like that before?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Holmes' face clouded over. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the of the way of danger. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have arms and began to sob in a high treble key.