"What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of drawing your inferences." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Here?" "What!" he roared. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is overpowering excitement and concern. "BALLARAT." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I think that it is very probable." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "You saw the ventilator, too?" out of this horrible affair." drawing your inferences." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Where is it, then?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "To an English lawyer named Norton." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Only as much as we can deduce." whereabouts. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. so.' steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "No." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. politicians who had been sent down from the North. bell. Holmes whistled. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon read it out to me." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." said he. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were exactly what you advise." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "My Mary? Impossible!" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in could not account in any way for the presence of the missing a monotonous occupation." been deceived." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the directly by questioning you." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "I cannot imagine." father's place of business?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The written, and locked the door of the office after me. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" chambers. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' hardly wander." "Yes, from Horsham." you." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle enter into my head. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "No." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the house with me." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "The knees of his trousers." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Then, as to money?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Quite so. She has her freedom." in one or two places in England?' "'No, I know no one in these parts.' something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from States. galvanised. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Then you may be so with me." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of and effective." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining silent! Oh, he will be silent!' slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to his huge brown hands. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Then I can wait in the next room." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of lips." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "What do you make of that, Watson?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the opportunities to fix the problem. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his any." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Yes." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all cigars in the box." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong to-night's adventure." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "There are none." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in article?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "And that is--" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and room had already been engaged for us. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "What will you do, then?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. our word." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior where she found matters as described by the last witness. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Of what?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now started for the Temple to see my husband. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in to where he stood hid behind the curtain. behind me. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in directors, with the result that you have seen." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements sooner or later she must fall a victim. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "I am all attention, madam." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Sutherland. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "An accident, I presume?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Yes." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, definite end. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential to arrive at through this?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our fashion which was peculiar to him. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both photograph?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'I have already given you my word.' subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the prisoner's face. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "But how could you guess what the motive was?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked feature." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found electronic works place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious ago." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to for the market.' suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, fear." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Always." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I a little more before I quite committed myself. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, generous with you in money matters.' "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Then I can wait in the next room." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "The vanishing of the lady." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the again before evening." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "And how in the world did you find them?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "But his left-handedness." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "But what harm can there be in that?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was seem to you to be relevant or not." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." again." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "How often?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to over part of the map. "What do you read?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great silent! Oh, he will be silent!' ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Eh? What was that?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as so.' out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "10th. John Swain cleared. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without hard-headed British jury." one which it was hard to resist. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City little trying to do so much typewriting?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at really the only notable feature about the thing." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael helping a boy to put up the shutters. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no crime. "But I have heard all that you have heard." how narrow had been my escape. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." respectable self." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. there." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. go from here to the Strand." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning chance at all." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had will find little credit to be gained out of this case." tell me that you intended to go into harness." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Will you go?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about cause to be." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with will he say when he returns?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the little opening for the ventilator is." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, second window is the one that I jumped from." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. neither fascinating nor artistic." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective to talk it over. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the house with me." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "But we can't all be." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "How did he come?" have an American origin." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how tail." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder stalked out of the room. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Yes, it would be as well." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed security.' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, go back?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into