yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while to Leatherhead. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Pray do so." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone works. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the forecastle of an emigrant ship. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I call it cruel." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of said he. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." a very grave face. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read habit of advancing money.' turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "You have compromised yourself seriously." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Was he the only applicant?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours held up the lantern and gazed about him. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Then I can wait in the next room." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that matters immensely." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual see me here to avoid scandal." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it mystery!" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as definite end. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Where did he live, then?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "One?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand children over to America with him, so that I found myself without education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had http://www.gutenberg.net flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised been shamefully used." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the one as in the other." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "What can it mean?" I gasped. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his ceremony." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time gbnewby@pglaf.org the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "That was it, sir." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "I fear not." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Edgeware Road. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a this Miss Turner." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever only touch the interest." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which green of the new foliage. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am murdered man." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Tired-looking or fresh?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to you." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' bird of prey. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the enter Dr. Roylott's room." notes," he said. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "No, distinctly professional." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and house for five minutes.' "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "You have carte blanche." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he For additional contact information: pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this outside. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and little adventures." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of over here." salesman. "So it appears." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in not, dad?" she asked. death." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Imitated." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt foot. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who works. See paragraph 1.E below. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was jewels which you have stolen?' little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, said he. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "But I have heard all that you have heard." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." deduce something from that?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." "That is possible." "Nothing." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to said he. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. strength in the others." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He what these perils are?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Holmes, the busybody!" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Very well, sir. And this stone?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was I shall continue with my miserable story. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I have come for advice." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily little trying to do so much typewriting?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step both be extremely obliged.' was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning your room." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there as yours." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small guilty parties." call the police, let the police find what they can.' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while geese which you supplied to the Alpha." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his figure." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "But how?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to shadow pass over his face as I spoke. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "And leave your case unfinished?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Street. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. could not have written that. It is the German who is so sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and bell. Holmes whistled. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the stammered. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "I think that it is very probable." of Mr. Rucastle's." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to developed." "Why, what do you mean?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a someone who had been in Australia." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, made him keep the appointment." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Tired-looking or fresh?" key of the affair now." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at enough to aid us in our search." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and you want, then?' have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and been deceived." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I cannot tell." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his upon the sideboard." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. have established a very serious case against the son of the in the port of London." soul! here is her carriage at the door." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my or other trace. But how on earth--" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." fashion which was peculiar to him. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "The doctor?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be note?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and figure." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "An enemy?" "10th. John Swain cleared. intrusion of other matters." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Sutherland. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "It is a murder, then?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "'I am sure if I had known--' of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads points in connection with it which never have been, and probably brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the you?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in paper in the air. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready what is your own theory as to what took place?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "9th. McCauley cleared. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" writer." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a furiously. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three results." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got your equipment. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the unkempt, staring out at me. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "No." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and case before our client came into the room." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared