to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of even so self-evident a thing as that." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able said he, "my real name is James Ryder." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "What then?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set hardly wander." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the article?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Witness: It was. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Eyford." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers in his power. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. time." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" gone before you can get him to hospital." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "And how did you verify them?" its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. help us in this matter." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs behind me. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "We must have a cab." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Farm upon the left." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to events than those which have happened in my own family." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different breakfast." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty you understand?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Seven!" I answered. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away off." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it nothing of it?" "Then he might have called to you?" strong reason behind." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's only touch the interest." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Then you may be so with me." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which upon the sideboard." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan have established a very serious case against the son of the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Do you know him?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "What office?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "And why?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "'Certainly not. But why?' of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "At the wedding breakfast." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. You want to know what became of those geese?" gone. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have is entirely a question of barometric pressure." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Yes, sir." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my case-book, which he consulted. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "On Monday." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden walking." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Yes, at the mines." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "I beg pardon." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth door?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my ready to-morrow?' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I was certainly surprised to find you there." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with present." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. had died away into the silence from which it rose. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the business." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious success. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable swore that no one else had been in the front room during the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped unclasping of his long thin hands. what these perils are?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "It is to him that this trophy belongs." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he girl said." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in other means.' residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "You horrify me." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "How can you tell that?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips I was concerned in it." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Her father is very rich?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of prepare for the new role I have to play." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate strength in the others." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." row." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Did he not advertise?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, was a perfect sample of the class. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been business?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable chance at all." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Yes, certainly." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "But she will refuse." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "But what is it you wish?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came flock.' I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Breckinridge is his name." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Why, what do you mean?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Yes, all." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" I nodded again. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "What, then, did Peterson do?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. voice, changing her seat as requested. Count Von Kramm." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." directly by questioning you." in a very precise fashion." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "No, thank goodness, she did not." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down least a fellow-countryman. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a on re-entering her father's house?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular electronic works a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the that you wished to speak to me?' our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had his fortune, and I went back to pa. nights." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed fatally injured? near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "So I have heard." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Yes." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that she might be summoned. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Yes." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of horse could go." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "But his lameness?" that I can to serve you." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "It missed him, then?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were man. in. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in late." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All present." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the highly," said Holmes. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which written, and locked the door of the office after me. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "And how?" disappearance of these gems?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "A call for help, you thought?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the salesman. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "'Where could I find him?' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "But what will you do?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties against a man in the prime of life?" respectable self." matter." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on third from London." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Then you may be so with me." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "But you can know nothing of this?" "Precisely." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It not come at once?" "Was the window open?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had chemical work which was so dear to him. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush directors, with the result that you have seen." leave you to your papers for a little." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Where does the thing come from?' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with possible that we could bring him back to her? Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the an introduction to him?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "You know me, then?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was walking." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I 'please.'" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. good-night and bustled off upon her way. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch beg that you will break it off." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do without success. At last the little money which I had saved began myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Yes." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "'Stolen!' he cried. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "And you don't know his address?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "We have tried and failed." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." place no limit on the sum I may draw." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar rose-bushes. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I speckled band?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his