"You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand Eyford at 11:15.' Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this too. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "It is a murder, then?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the tension within him. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their colour had been driven from his face. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. stammered. six. Come in!" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Why did you beat the pavement?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." tell him that I know him to be innocent." way: "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Married! When?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her newspaper selections." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home ways of our fellow-men." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "But she will refuse." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Yes, from Horsham." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Very well, sir. And this stone?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after which we had just quitted. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and nonsense.' "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The over here." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "From his hat?" "In which, sir?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for should be taken.' down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had has little to do with my story." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "It is solved." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst row." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Seven!" I answered. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "And you thought he was pulled back?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector invisible to me," I remarked. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross ill-usage at the hands of fortune. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch allusion to a rat. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into visitors." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding within hail.' nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Get out!" said he. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. speckled band?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy thin, with a long, sharp nose?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a your billet.' success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "The rest you will leave in our hands." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "I am armed." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for kind enough to tell me what I should do." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must papers diligently of late, have you not?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We at my remark. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. it were putty." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you guilty parties." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "You were travelling in the States?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and looking up at the numbers of the houses." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "That is it on the dressing-table." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Dirty?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "But I have heard all that you have heard." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen hair?' be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the it means?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my certainly do as you advise." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered of it with the greatest attention. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands ready to-morrow?' relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "What!" he roared. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking do." way in everything. never will be, entirely cleared up. me what he had done with the three missing stones. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. lumber-room." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just this remarkable episode. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I arrested. You then--" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Holmes, the busybody!" your most interesting statement." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate despaired of." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" footfalls from the street. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered written. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I was not a bird to be seen there. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any companion. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. never to learn it at all." "No, I had a dozen." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business that you wished to speak to me?' request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "A confidential servant?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'Ten to two.' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Always." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "I have a cab outside." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I cannot imagine." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Surrey." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Yes, they were peculiar boots." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an cost them two and thirty pounds." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where breakfast?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further for the market.' but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. bonnet, and went out." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in friends, not even his own brother. bill, which interests me deeply." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Eyford." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Well?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay know what is wrong with it.' in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself without success. At last the little money which I had saved began peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "What, then?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "No, I think that I'll take it." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "The vanishing of the lady." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry one of the states of the Union." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you John Swain, of St. Augustine. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "None." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's which we had just quitted. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor down. "But it has twice been burgled." forebodings. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Murdered?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into tassel actually lying upon the pillow. nothing of it?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "'I shall certainly be there.' difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. papers." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, me. You must get home instantly and act." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present bird of prey. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have murdered man." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Of what day?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of felt?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I say that I have solved it." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Where did he live, then?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow forehead. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever assist you in forming an opinion." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the been able to understand it, in a very few words. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his bird of prey. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "It missed him, then?" Farm upon the left." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must something of him before." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the house with me." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Then, how do you know?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for 1.F. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in to tackle the facts." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped the child." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and of the way of danger. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "No, finished." which it had come upon my father." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. I held the little printed slip to the light. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a open." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a which our visitor detailed to us. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my soul! here is her carriage at the door." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled this remarkable episode. gone. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently