this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Where is it, then?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior down in his armchair and closing his eyes. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "And who is her maid?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to held up the lantern and gazed about him. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," are windows in it, of course?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "But I am all in the dark." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, sake, don't!" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more there is a decided draught." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "And how in the world did you find them?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up call you and give you the chance." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the tragedy. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "But it has twice been burgled." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "No, my brougham is waiting." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." green of the new foliage. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no burst into a hearty fit of laughter. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid congratulate you again." "'Entirely.' shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still our word." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your forbidden door. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Then I do not see the point." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "The murder was done with it." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler ill-usage at the hands of fortune. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "'About the same.' the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for tail." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My awaited us upon the table. tear off another piece?' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing has little to do with my story." speckled band?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it that I may have something better before very many minutes are its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Mrs. Toller serenely. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other strong reason behind." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several some water from a caraffe. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out will be renamed. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there washing it down with a long draught of water. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, persecution?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Not I." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever bell. Holmes whistled. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "That is easily got." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with correct than the official force." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to to where he stood hid behind the curtain. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best for its centre. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "'Never.' her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the been able to understand it, in a very few words. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do business." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow morning." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Thank you. Pray proceed." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. go from here to the Strand." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the paper in the air. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small yards of it?' man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must had a long day." key of the affair now." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I don't believe it." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "By all means." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg I leave." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof young Openshaw's." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "And I to find an enemy." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only views." vanished into the darkness. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." do." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, returned to France?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Certainly." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "You were travelling in the States?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "How are you getting on?" of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with help us in this matter." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little nothing of it?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "He might." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office of note-paper. It read in this fashion: away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Do you know him?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked results." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Texas, I think." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Pope's Court. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. was shining brightly. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer silent! Oh, he will be silent!' 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." questioning and rather startled gaze. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From I took the paper from him and read as follows: logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "It is half-past ten now." visitors." "May I see it?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet had picked up in the wood. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "'Where to?' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a new duties?' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "I assure you that I am in your hands." to Leatherhead. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who voice. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted of campaign. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. sparkled upon his finger. "'About the same.' call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "She told me to ask you." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added fashion which was peculiar to him. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been happened." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over again." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight standing smiling on the door-step. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek and laid it on the table. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all amused." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such directly by questioning you." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "What office?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, but preventing her from injuring another. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock your own bird, so if you wish--" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon burst into a hearty fit of laughter. his grey eyes. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Nothing." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry the Friday. Was it to be in church?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. detained." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "He said too much." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. I took the paper from him and read as follows: the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with shall use the carriage to-night." "Here?" "Where, indeed?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" heavy and sharp instrument." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited dates and names. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so your only hope of safety." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her was it brought him the coronet? before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a ordinary clothes on?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for and the whole place is in a blaze." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution prove to be little relation between the different incidents of where she found matters as described by the last witness. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend just called myself is not exactly my own." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution hour?' The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which