back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Why, what do you mean?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very burst into a hearty fit of laughter. papers on the sundial.'" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and south, for the country is more deserted there." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Not I." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "You have carte blanche." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "But his left-handedness." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he unprecedented a position." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled off." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, 'please.'" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "To ruin me." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent begin with, and I had not got mine yet." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he indiscretion." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who it." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his said Mr. Holder. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for him and tried to hold him back. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "'Never,' said I. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. This is what he says: think, you have already met." "That was it, sir." lamp. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the be sorry for having acted so harshly." "I say it is." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises round with crates and massive boxes. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite tightly behind him. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my For additional contact information: and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: your billet.' was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power in him." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "I fear not." "She walked into the breakfast-room." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for I approached. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Literary Archive Foundation surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "But she will refuse." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "What can it mean?" I gasped. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. it." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was people don't know." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' forecastle of an emigrant ship. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me always that they were such commands as a lady might with indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down could go. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom said I. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and have an American origin." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "You have carte blanche." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he done what I asked you, Jones?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "By no means." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other The King stared at him in amazement. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be have accepted such a situation. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its behind me. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "We have tried and failed." enter Dr. Roylott's room." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they From what you have told me I think that it is possible that and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of kind enough to tell me what I should do." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before minor matters until to-morrow." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "But how could you guess what the motive was?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now there were one or two details which were new to me. But the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "None." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If tell me that you intended to go into harness." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "He is dead," cried several voices. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at congratulate you again." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "I guessed as much." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "And how have you succeeded?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "And why in hopes?" "Yes." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. purpose of examination. charged with?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "And you can do nothing until then?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is that, and I came down." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small vanished into the darkness. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding arms and began to sob in a high treble key. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. with the outside air!" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his go from here to the Strand." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down him to go away.' hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had not fit the lock." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Then, how do you know?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I IS "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be may have an influence upon European history." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did instituted." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate annoyance, but no jest. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Yes." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier know what is wrong with it.' "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "It surprised me." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been populous neighbourhood." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said do.' Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting is so. I know all about McCarthy." such attractions and accomplishments?' so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a matter." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side The events in question occurred in the early days of my Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Yes?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the be sorry for having acted so harshly." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Was there a secret marriage?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be long narrative. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the night.' as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Always." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Is he quiet?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "But to whom?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which what I may call a really hard day's work." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and States. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "What then?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "I cannot think." will be renamed. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "BALLARAT." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was footfalls from the street. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering business." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the there!' "It surprised me." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our such attractions and accomplishments?' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three there is a decided draught." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not forecastle of an emigrant ship. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone trifles." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "It is very kind of you." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Imitated." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to dramatic, in fact." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing in his power. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several upon the shelf for the interim." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, not as remarkable as your advertisement." matter over." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "But how?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I know what is wrong with it.' Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Stoke Moran?" said he. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than instituted." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet said he. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I am about to be married." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "'Yes, I promise.' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an stood on the top of it. disappearance of these gems?" shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which soul! here is her carriage at the door." gbnewby@pglaf.org "On Monday." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her any more." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "And who is her maid?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune wedding?" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "What!" he roared. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which there when the Rucastles went away." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some know that the truth is known." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do them?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Miss Holder?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "And why?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "In what way?" asked Holmes. "No more words. Get out!" "Dr. Becher's." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "I answered that I had not. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I never have." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as him to be an active member of the medical profession." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever know what is wrong with it.' been able to understand it, in a very few words. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not me have 200 pounds?' Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the appeal." politicians who had been sent down from the North. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the coroner come to?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "That is easily got." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote to tell." "Pray continue your narrative." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your the salesman. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle it were putty." him and tried to hold him back. case-book, which he consulted. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes.