observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And brain must have something in it." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not to that open window." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "'Where could I find him?' printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Doctor, of the paper and the date." about here speaks of his kindness to him." "You were travelling in the States?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all posted to-day." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I him to go away.' confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "I shall most certainly do so." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of coat-tails." Street. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those I took the paper from him and read as follows: and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the house with me." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the what these perils are?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence happened." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "An enemy?" system of imprisonment?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as hair?' deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at closing the door. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'Entirely.' either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child in him." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "I say it is." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond bed dies. Does not that strike you?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an business matters.' her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I that I can to serve you." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "No." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your the salesman. "My stepfather's business papers." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "How about poison?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he on re-entering her father's house?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "9th. McCauley cleared. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "I cannot imagine." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "To ruin me." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "What have you to say now?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. second window is the one that I jumped from." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. fact, we may call it conclusive." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "10th. John Swain cleared. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the him and tried to hold him back. McCarthy." once more for Briony Lodge. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the tell them apart.' "'Is purely nominal.' "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and my secret was safe in his possession. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. chill to my heart. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I was sure that I might rely on you." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. such attractions and accomplishments?' of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by to-morrow." within hail.' away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually is entirely a question of barometric pressure." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the remarked. and put his glass in his pocket. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us at once, for I have only half an hour." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall shag which I had seen upon the previous night. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety sparkled upon his finger. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's fear." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Pope's Court, Fleet Street." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "There are none." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was but preventing her from injuring another. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into to go into your room and bar your shutters?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one over his head with a sweet womanly caress. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "The doctor?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master kind enough to tell me what I should do." questioning and rather startled gaze. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! any little problem which you may submit to me." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' one which it was hard to resist. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Yes, at the mines." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his happened." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: you?' "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you washing it down with a long draught of water. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying whatever might befall. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the was not a bird to be seen there. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "A call for help, you thought?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Murdered?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' but preventing her from injuring another. "What, then?" "Where, then, is my wife?" made him keep the appointment." at once, for I have only half an hour." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits breakfast and whispered something to her husband. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed leave you to your papers for a little." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I chance at all." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow observed. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "It is very clear." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Yes, from Horsham." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what go back?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "How many? I don't know." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet asked with his eyes open. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Won't it ring?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "To the police?" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would murdered man." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they than to us. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Then I shall certainly come." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one your billet.' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard there is a decided draught." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. said I. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "To an English lawyer named Norton." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the business matters.' and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Certainly." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "No. What a strange idea!" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it have had none more fantastic than this." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "That is not always so easy." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to