despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "I should wish to." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I read over the extraordinary announcement. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal at my remark. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Indeed! Whose, then?" questioning and rather startled gaze. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, place of silver." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" a very grave face. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "No more words. Get out!" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "How do you know, then?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her James Windibank. Voilà tout!" plantation.' "I was certainly surprised to find you there." had formerly been in part my own. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the October 9, 1890. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "It is possible." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that astonishment. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "But what will you do?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Stolen, then." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in sentimental considerations in the background which would induce works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have swore that no one else had been in the front room during the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Yes." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest prepare for the new role I have to play." which are rolled in Rotterdam." him. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, easy-going way." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's presume?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "It is possible." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "And you don't know his address?" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "And you thought he was pulled back?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she green of the new foliage. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very of a light. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a disturbance in my wife." again before evening." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle a monotonous occupation." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us is acting for the best. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I fear not." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "I fear not." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "How did that help you?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "And why?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the Red-headed League." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "'And what salary do you ask?' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the bed, and you in that chair." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds fait accompli?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of if only as a check to my own memory." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are three of the beryls in it, was missing. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before I nodded again. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss front of me. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an digesting their breakfasts at home." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to passage and a tap at the door. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly you." "Entirely." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Who by?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without been anything against him. He had for years been known as a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was views." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She of the one which your family is now devouring." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. instincts rose up against that laugh. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against detained." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered when you have done it." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I don't believe it." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "I have my revolver," said I. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all business." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water indiscretion." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "It looks newer than the other things?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Yes, only one." Watson," he said cordially. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I guessed as much." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. companion. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water assist you in forming an opinion." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a morning." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the matter." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before of his shoulders. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Perfectly so." her also." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow thought that she would have been so carried away." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or key of the affair now." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Then how many are there?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Sutherland?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I have solved it." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. in this note: heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "I have solved it." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father have established a very serious case against the son of the "We have tried and failed." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. IS springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "He slept on the premises." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a The events in question occurred in the early days of my suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, to-morrow." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our during that time.' "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I key turn in the lock." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "But his lameness?" "Thank you. Pray proceed." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I case before our client came into the room." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of again on its way. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Did your wife hear all this?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "She showed me, as I told you she would." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar indeed happy." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired light and attacked it." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining evidence," I remarked. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "He might." "No, finished." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of could not have written that. It is the German who is so "In San Francisco, a year ago." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the them, and came down just as you departed. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' pity, because in other respects you would really have done very twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that of the way of danger. maid will bring up your coffee." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Imitated." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my have not had my rubber." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! when your master had gone out." "It is true that I have been generally successful." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Very much so." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have easy-going way." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I my special province." always that they were such commands as a lady might with them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting keep the flames under. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." presented more singular features than that which was associated assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, face and glided from the room. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers and wait." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "But who is he?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "I cannot imagine." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their