"The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'It is locked up,' I answered. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "It came here." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose hands. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a not fit the lock." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "At what time?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "What office?" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I cannot tell." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." your bag." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, bedroom door." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "One of his hands." thirty. "Perfectly so." late." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my British peeress.'" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler discontent upon his features. foot. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "I shall most certainly do so." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of newspaper selections." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Yes." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still carpenter." to-night." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and you do it in twenty minutes!' "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "What will you do, then?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And I held the little printed slip to the light. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Holmes." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg of his shoulders. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we whole matter to your consideration." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it During two years I have had three consultations and one small James Windibank. Voilà tout!" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would jewels which you have stolen?' high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through death." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is undoubtedly my uncle's." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was said I. "How did you trace it, then?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am seven miles from Eyford Station.' Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have of campaign. the warnings." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost chambers. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed his knees, staring into the fire. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal copied or distributed: have not had my rubber." soul! here is her carriage at the door." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy husband's writing, madam." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at mysterious business." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was over with notes and figures. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "No good news?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to it were putty." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his not as remarkable as your advertisement." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of she slowly sank and died without having recovered her other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, drove away. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Nearly eleven." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "You have compromised yourself seriously." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Holmes." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "At what time?" that gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right assist you in forming an opinion." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in will he say when he returns?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "What is it, then--a fire?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "I know where it is." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had tassel actually lying upon the pillow. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "That you are never beaten." room had already been engaged for us. hopeless attempt at recovering them." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to a good hundred miles off by now." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "I was sure that I might rely on you." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Who was the criminal, then?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place triumphant cloud from his cigarette. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Project Gutenberg-tm works. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, to me. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "It is solved." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return redistribution. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just him and tried to hold him back. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment wife's character?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge not use it unless it is absolutely needed." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a man. I know him from the photograph." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Certainly, madam." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND 1.F. redistribution. "My dear Holmes!" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself foresight and the moral retrogression?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until matter." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a few hundred pounds.' the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "'Very good.' than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. used to be." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "10th. John Swain cleared. my little problems." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Thank you. And your address?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by she used." "But what is it you wish?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his she to prove their authenticity?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "From his hat?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "It is no ordinary one." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small infinite languor in his face. "Ample." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just least a most suspicious remark." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Yes, sir." own family. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Yes." at my own good fortune. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "You will not go there first?" matters immensely." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Always." orange pips. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "And sit in the dark?" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the chambers. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Do you go out much in society?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Arthur Conan Doyle All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the matter." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "BALLARAT." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning cup of tea. giving me time to thank him. formed some opinion?" "To ruin me." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe threw himself down with his face to the pillow. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the occurred." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" and wait." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "And how did you verify them?" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with His name is Francis Prosper." "Yes, sir." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't cigars in the box." strength of mind to control. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Yes, it would be as well." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Surrey." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Only as much as we can deduce." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, of them has the shutters up.' think that he is innocent?" visitors." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it even of instruction." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in legal crime." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would true." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I don't believe it." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. against a man in the prime of life?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have bonnet, and went out." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my American. Then who could this American be, and why should he upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "It was." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall sooner or later she must fall a victim. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the you in your example." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done persecution?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two nonsense.' look upon these things in a different way." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "And on what day did he meet his death?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." hour?' "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "To an English lawyer named Norton." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "To the police?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for