Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Married! When?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the himself to tell his story. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you detained." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "But she will refuse." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing all that?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "What office?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." foresight and the moral retrogression?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "But to whom?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "BALLARAT." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My row." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "She told me to ask you." papers diligently of late, have you not?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "What will you do, then?" if only as a check to my own memory." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a I am not easy in my mind about them." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Then, as to money?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with side. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my During two years I have had three consultations and one small the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and back to my heart. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "'What, the red-headed man?' which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Oh, yes, easily." "No, I think that I'll take it." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "The Cedars?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Then you may entirely rely on me." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for is worth.' "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The electronic works door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "But how will you look?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just wife's character?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No the matter." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." you understand?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Which surely he restored to their owner?" in his power. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. she might be summoned. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case within hail.' "I have hopes." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. writing, and yet I know it well." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my to go into your room and bar your shutters?" I nodded to show that I had heard. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler go--none." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "How do you know, then?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers kindly on the shoulder. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Bought." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the dangers which encompass me." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by ways including including checks, online payments and credit card side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that not interfere, come what may. You understand?" felt the room to be a little close.' which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "And why in hopes?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest are, I think, all that we need." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" and looked back. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Yes." "How can you tell that?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. narrative." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Precisely." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Yes?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "It surprised me." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." are windows in it, of course?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention maid will bring up your coffee." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind your co-operation." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Was the window open?" "You think that he is dead?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Miss Holder?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with What do you deduce from it?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to cigar and let me expound." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, discontent upon his features. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do knowledge of the world." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet seem to you to be relevant or not." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining even so self-evident a thing as that." Serpentine Avenue. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind secret." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "'I have heard so.' "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Does that suggest anything?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to It was close upon four before the door opened, and a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you power." weighed down with some great anxiety. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the never to learn it at all." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy three fields round his house, and there he would take his the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "But she will refuse." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Mary, has deserted me." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "You will not go there first?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her three fields round his house, and there he would take his Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project fatally injured? horse could go." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "And I say east," said my patient. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "I cannot imagine." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of written, and locked the door of the office after me. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "And how did you verify them?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, come either from the window or the door. My attention was before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I examine." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his chair. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Eyford." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see http://gutenberg.net/license). right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to delirious. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are nights." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "But to whom?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not him!" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so October 9, 1890. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the cheerful." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "How long did she speak to this Alice?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his I nodded to show that I had heard. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "I have seen the police." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back rat could hardly pass through." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Look there!" said he. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, pictures, libraries, or plate. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite with you?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of golden eyeglasses. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore now. It seems that there had been some informality about their them?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Why? What do you mean?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "What, then, did Peterson do?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all hardly wander." of this gang." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard imbecility!" he cried. "Why did you pick him?" have an American origin." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that kindly on the shoulder. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project done what I asked you, Jones?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "And sit in the dark?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. your own bird, so if you wish--" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Always." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." people don't know." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Yes, it would be as well." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Get out!" said he. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my down from London to inquire more deeply into it." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my conversation I have gathered that they have been married about I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Not I." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch minor matters until to-morrow." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. charged with?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off it." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face important." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "But we can't all be." in one or two places in England?' of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It investigation." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation suggested at once that there must be a communication between the