"We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "I am following you closely," I answered. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg disappearance of the bride.'" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Stolen." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" himself to hunt down. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. less than 26s. 4d. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "BALLARAT." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his lamp in his hand. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Pool. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup the very letters. But what is this written above them?' fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. extraordinary contortions. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, call the police, let the police find what they can.' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in my room." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered London for the present?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want affection." "My own seal." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "This photograph!" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the woman." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "'What would be the hours?' I asked. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Thank you. And your address?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "If so, much may have happened between." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Sholtos." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Your sister is dead, then?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is had picked up in the wood. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, for the market.' sneer upon his pale face. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you cost them two and thirty pounds." with some details as to your case." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Did you observe the colour?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a his cane at the bell-pull. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head hardly wander." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have question," said Holmes, smiling. wall." pressing in one house as in another. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking that?' that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched vague figure huddled up in the darkness. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all there were one or two details which were new to me. But the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Young McCarthy must be got off, however." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the outsides of the windows. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "'What are you doing there?' he asked. me what he had done with the three missing stones. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Clair, of Lee." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until amused." "You have a clue?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut have got?" that you can jump it.' alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Pray do so." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having conduct the inquiry." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what what is your own theory as to what took place?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Were they all fastened this morning?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to affect your life." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Farm upon the left." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Dr. Becher's." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in not fit the lock." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Did you observe the colour?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was acted in my house last night?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I have a cab outside." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I fear." "Have you her photograph?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Proceed, then." was lame." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw room. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been room had already been engaged for us. lumber-room." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little you do it in twenty minutes!' whether it answered to the description of any of their my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "My dear Holmes!" existence." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' lamp. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'About the same.' better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "And is that all?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards present strange and interesting features that it is no easy flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to to you." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A absorbing." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I happened." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some bedroom door." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that cheerful." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "I would give my fortune to have them back." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "What can it mean?" I gasped. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. brandy and water within his reach. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank upon the white wrist. of them has the shutters up.' treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Where is it, then?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "If I can be of use." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. The summons was a brief and urgent one. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your light and attacked it." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he entirely lost his self-respect." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and was it brought him the coronet? "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, clanging. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but humiliation." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your to surprise her." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "But she will refuse." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for death." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the to take care of herself." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Witness: I must still refuse. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other had picked up in the wood. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss third from London." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the investigation." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "But who is he?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came at once, for I have only half an hour." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who detective. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Lestrade of Scotland Yard." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a detective. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "And how have you succeeded?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "VIOLET HUNTER." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to hand, madam?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Yes, it was twisted." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Yes, from Horsham." and looked back. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, certainly not very gracious." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I them, and came down just as you departed. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'What are you doing there?' he asked. child?' sake, don't!" me." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "My dear Holmes!" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" side. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded this unhappy family?" hour." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has your room." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "But what will you do?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "It was a confession," I ejaculated. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in fluttered off among the others. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so had picked up in the wood. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. coroner's jury." voice. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance you." "Who was the criminal, then?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Does that suggest anything?" nothing with him." have not had my rubber." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment The telegram which we eventually received came late one night own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Entirely." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." said Mr. Holder. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Perhaps we may make them less so." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and fatally injured? He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of shoulder; "he's all right." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Chief Executive and Director "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock voice, changing her seat as requested. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a British peeress.'" my secret was safe in his possession. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and depend upon my doing so.' "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy pierced for earrings?" "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "That is easily got." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Witness: Nothing definite. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "We could see the other side of the road and the Park."