"That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, what is your own theory as to what took place?" "But it has twice been burgled." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "How long did she speak to this Alice?" true." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's American. Then who could this American be, and why should he out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'Yes.' which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My your co-operation." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. you give your casting vote to?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Not him." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of unkempt, staring out at me. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, and put his glass in his pocket. in this note: "Of what day?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "I don't say that. Perhaps." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "He might." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and fasten all the windows?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any During two years I have had three consultations and one small problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just away into the river." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be call you and give you the chance." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for My friend smiled. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to grasp, he hurried from the room. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it lost nothing by them." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known made him keep the appointment." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking shall not find me ungrateful." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it intimate personal affairs in this public manner." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Pool. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "But to whom?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Holmes' room. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "'Which dealer's?' he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray have one." papers diligently of late, have you not?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. placed his cuttings. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all that threaten you." "Your French gold?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with been with you?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Not yet." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as will find little credit to be gained out of this case." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, photograph?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "To the police?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Have you her photograph?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just address. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'It is locked up,' I answered. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I other means.' friends, not even his own brother. to me. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom and a shock of very red hair. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Ten will be early enough." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to new duties?' you." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "You are certainly joking, Holmes." acquaintance?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. walking." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain be.' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon and the church but not where the lady lived." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study matter over." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "He might." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Yes." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said already referred to. "That is easily got." for securing the situation." "She told me to ask you." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I came to find a friend." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. gone. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the to a more successful conclusion." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, again, where I was soon asleep. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the house with me." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Does that suggest anything?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I forebodings. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "He disappeared so suddenly." "How on earth--" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key some terrible trap for her." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me events, Mr. Windibank!" of Fenchurch Street." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." straighten it?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "None." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to weary and pale-looking. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at off." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my helping a boy to put up the shutters. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "They are typewritten," I remarked. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered and have this put in the evening papers." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "It is very kind of you." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in more terrible than the truth. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Pray let us have it, for all that." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "I guessed as much." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up train.' heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Not in the least." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' not within a twentieth part of the market price." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our details." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to of the one which your family is now devouring." are, I think, all that we need." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old quick march!" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel fait accompli?" happened." "Yes." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Sutherland?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty threw himself down with his face to the pillow. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the carried out of court." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. long narrative. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but new duties?' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" beyond words. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband row." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "You know me, then?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser I held the little printed slip to the light. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." me have 200 pounds?' o'clock is it?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since to tackle the facts." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and and your relations to her." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I have a cab outside." "Then, as to money?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs just called myself is not exactly my own." "What!" he roared. walking." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better along the entire front of the house, with three long windows paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." husband's writing, madam." hurried by. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I am all attention, madam." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but public press." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "What can it mean?" I gasped. respectable self." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'Certainly,' I answered. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end keep the flames under. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Perfectly so." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" hurried away. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" compunction about shooting them down." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I during that time.' "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "'Tell me all about it,' said I. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from over with notes and figures. throat." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some test if we have an answer to our advertisement." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and developed." "On Monday." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name without success. At last the little money which I had saved began only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "My Mary? Impossible!" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any sneer upon his pale face. "On your arm?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well father's place of business?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, little adventures." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have