woman who has had her own way to make in the world. waste of energy." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us behind me. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father in the dead of the night?' "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out union?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, brandy and water within his reach. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Do you know him?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a four million human beings all jostling each other within the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Quite so. She has her freedom." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Yes." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular go from here to the Strand." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a nothing of it?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a think you a quite exceptional woman." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "And on what day did he meet his death?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "You were travelling in the States?" "Murdered?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the certainly not very gracious." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some in darkness. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' photograph?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "But I have heard all that you have heard." this Miss Turner." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned nights." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Breckinridge is his name." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "And I to find an enemy." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you I took the paper from him and read as follows: A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, unclasping of his long thin hands. "Yes, only one." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning away in different directions, and I went off to make my own work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive were wasted." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been here." wedding?" "Then, how do you know?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, here and I will read it to you: into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through third from London." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence round and wave him away like that.' empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for matters immensely." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding has little to do with my story." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." key turn in the lock." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "By no means." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This in a friendly supper." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag has little to do with my story." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "But we can't all be." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "What can you not understand?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Yes." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Why did you pick him?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to of Fenchurch Street." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "No." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother stepfather?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his conclusions. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "It looks newer than the other things?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the returned to France?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin empty. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad than was visible to me." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can there is a decided draught." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up he died? "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the experiences." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest was a perfect sample of the class. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be relief. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Yes, only one." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long girl said." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the in. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank may have an influence upon European history." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Holmes. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the conduct the inquiry." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "But his left-handedness." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "One of the highest in England." writer." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to This is what he says: "'Why that?' I asks. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk business matters.' "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email as he folded up the epistle. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Always." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his my room." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, nonsense.' connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and it with his own hands." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen generous with you in money matters.' was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a village inn over there?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that round with crates and massive boxes. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "'Certainly,' I answered. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "No, thank goodness, she did not." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Have you it here?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be important." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in and all of them with the keenest interest. "'Ample.' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his golden eyeglasses. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson you?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I something of him before." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Upon what point?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "It may not come to that," said Holmes. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "No, thank goodness, she did not." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "What is it?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "'Stolen!' he cried. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "What can you not understand?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated information in his hands the value of which he did not himself dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose the King without delay." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." tension within him. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "In what way?" asked Holmes. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take hand, madam?" meant it for the best. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in jewels which you have stolen?' Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards forecastle of an emigrant ship. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, went to the Alpha were town bred." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring a monotonous occupation." "Was she in good spirits?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed your own bird, so if you wish--" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. never to learn it at all." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated strode off upon his way. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a in the dead of the night?' "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. companion. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Yes." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, keep the flames under. "Then you may entirely rely on me." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first his face which made him a very different person to the round, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing foresight and the moral retrogression?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "The vanishing of the lady." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "To an English lawyer named Norton." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility opportunities to fix the problem. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a