beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in McCarthy's innocence. "She will not sell." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a been with you?" "And it is--" My friend smiled. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to power." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower returning from some small jollification and was making his way License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. least a most suspicious remark." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong something of him before." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Doctor, of the paper and the date." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his shaken than I had ever seen him. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I cannot tell." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. know what is wrong with it.' or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the clang of the bell. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might tapping his fingers upon the table. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough held up the lantern and gazed about him. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He business matters.' the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Pope's Court. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "And for present expenses?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'Is purely nominal.' printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which morning." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought her also." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Ah!" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was But Holmes shook his head gravely. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up habit of advancing money.' collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "And the murderer?" upon the shelf for the interim." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who golden eyeglasses. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project what I may call a really hard day's work." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the said he. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the them?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm him and tried to hold him back. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" I held the little printed slip to the light. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "'Stolen!' he cried. "But you were on a friendly footing?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "That is unusual in a young girl." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "How about poison?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be cup of tea. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "A confidential servant?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." of Mr. Rucastle's." past. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." been able to understand it, in a very few words. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid bearing upon the case." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person I was concerned in it." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Do you know him?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Certainly." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks any more." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an forbidden door. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "You will not go there first?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. bonnet, and went out." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You several quiet little villages up there." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "By no means." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business of the one which your family is now devouring." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Really! You surprise me." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "But she could not love him." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he upon the white wrist. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "This photograph!" to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "No." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up quite distinctive." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "She showed me, as I told you she would." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. allusion to a rat. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There whether it answered to the description of any of their "You don't mind breaking the law?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, for securing the situation." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was least a fellow-countryman. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a he died? of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and woven round him. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Dark enough and sinister enough." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the was a lad." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Chief Executive and Director it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its carried out of court." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I am armed." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been train.' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "At what time?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you strong and stiff." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. at a side door. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom that remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I would pay ten." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs fatally injured? of Fenchurch Street." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide now. It seems that there had been some informality about their them?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? me have 200 pounds?' moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet and effective." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save conclusions. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Bought." matter." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from he bowed and left the room without another word. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Yes, it would be as well." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, McCarthy's innocence. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could o'clock is it?" "Yes, all." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post morning." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his instincts rose up against that laugh. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the when your master had gone out." "Game for a morning drive?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save morning." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this front of the hall door has given its name to the place. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Of what?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, what these perils are?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' started for the Temple to see my husband. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence the dangers which encompass me." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "By train from Waterloo." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite which was all perfectly true. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with generous with you in money matters.' were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out in this note: after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning sparkled upon his finger. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I do." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "He might." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me I approached. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just helping a boy to put up the shutters. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of London for the present?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence was used.' "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Yes, there are nearly always some there." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': which it had come upon my father." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "I cannot say that I have." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? returning from some small jollification and was making his way from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Have you good authority for what you say?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; entirely lost his self-respect." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the south-west, I see." in this way: off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." handed it to him. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by