"I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on as he remarks, very much against the son." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather your sleep?' "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have felt?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Can I be of assistance?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no know all about it," he snarled. speckled band?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "No, finished." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with The King stared at him in amazement. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has me upon any point which I do not make clear." always that they were such commands as a lady might with sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about article?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Pray do so." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "The vanishing of the lady." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed letters?" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his bore every mark of being an average commonplace British should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings what these perils are?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the beg that you will break it off." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "I guessed as much." outsides of the windows. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "10th. John Swain cleared. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Were they all fastened this morning?" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came said he at last. "My own seal." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "No, thank goodness, she did not." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'Certainly not. But why?' "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Yes, at the mines." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Holmes' thin, eager face. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Have you good authority for what you say?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. held up the lantern and gazed about him. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that might help us?" to that open window." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we learned something! Where are the gems?" "No." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "We must sit without light. He would see it through the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me was it brought him the coronet? cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. said I. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "No." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Pool. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was walking." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my and your relations to her." death." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "My last client of the sort was a king." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "And the cigar-holder?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Thank you. And your address?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of with frightened eyes at his accuser. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "At what time?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction shall not find me ungrateful." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "It was." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden The summons was a brief and urgent one. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for mysterious business." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my as he folded up the epistle. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our too. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something together. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "But not more so than I to find you." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle voice. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting asked. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "But who is he?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without spark where all is dark to me." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate felt?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Certainly." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he it." read over the extraordinary announcement. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in certainly not very gracious." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I second window is the one that I jumped from." standing smiling on the door-step. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a see me here to avoid scandal." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Yes." you." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Never to return." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "From his hat?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. house for five minutes.' tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and father's place of business?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Yes, the wine-cellar." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "'I have heard so.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "None." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little 1.E.9. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. details." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence indeed happy." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could do you make of it all?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to ago." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very jewels which you have stolen?' surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "But who is he?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "My Mary? Impossible!" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Not I." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Ah, but I was recommended to you." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my charge against him will break down." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "And your mother is alive?" "And why in hopes?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and rooms." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to get the tickets." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Why did you beat the pavement?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "'What do you call purely nominal?' I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was eavesdroppers?' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I never have." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once quick march!" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in drawing your inferences." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Why did you pick him?" "We have tried and failed." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in and effective." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set this as likely?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began astonishment. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "At what time?" "'I have heard so.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was go back?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Yes, all." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to with frightened eyes at his accuser. sooner or later she must fall a victim. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon The telegram which we eventually received came late one night away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and put his glass in his pocket. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if signal between you and your father? until night should bring an explanation. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Ample." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "It must be recovered." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. a good hundred miles off by now." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has outside." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "The doctor?" cup of tea. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and his grey eyes. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom woman." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Mary, has deserted me." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to have not had my rubber." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination searched, without anything being found which could incriminate was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "He is still with you, I presume?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "'What, the red-headed man?' "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "This photograph!" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public chamber." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "What!" he roared. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "What, then, did Peterson do?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "She told me to ask you." will take you up to see the machine.' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "How do you know, then?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, conclusions. "And your mother is alive?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "How can you tell that?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand