"What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I some water from a caraffe. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Arthur Conan Doyle company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "And it is--" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "But you would not advise me to refuse?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Not yet." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Was he the only applicant?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." License. You must require such a user to return or orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco been." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'Which dealer's?' is a common subject for conversation. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Which are?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "What do you make of that, Watson?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, was keenly on my guard against him. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in awaited us upon the table. "Not in a good cause." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I cannot tell." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Then, how do you know?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the congenial hunt. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a village inn over there?" Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was answered with a sidelong glance. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to advice." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. to surprise her." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I which it had come upon my father." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were and inquire as to the address." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over carriage. It was a chestnut." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "I cannot say that I have." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day over his head with a sweet womanly caress. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." important." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe his eyes and forehead. strength." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of legal crime." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "You horrify me." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and promised to bring home. galvanised. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a one's self under obligations.' "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "We must have a cab." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Stoke Moran?" said he. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot death." "'Is purely nominal.' rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis sentimental considerations in the background which would induce whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Yes." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened families. Now for the facts. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the beg that you will break it off." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly unprecedented a position." is worth.' his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem get the tickets." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. she to prove their authenticity?" made his money." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Leave Paddington by the 11:15." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair closing the door. populous neighbourhood." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what as this. Pray let me have the details." "No good news?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and unclasping of his long thin hands. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It little adventures." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "I do." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and right! Sit down and let us talk it over." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" peculiar to him. "And who is her maid?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's straightened it out again. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Eh? What was that?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the directors, with the result that you have seen." waste of energy." "Yes." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Yes, from Horsham." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to opportunities to fix the problem. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little examine." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the to some other building. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary what these perils are?" the night.' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door grasp, he hurried from the room. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the Friday. Was it to be in church?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of with some details as to your case." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was served to weaken the effect. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "And leave your case unfinished?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis pierced for earrings?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to prove to be little relation between the different incidents of felt the room to be a little close.' "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "No more words. Get out!" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Yes." better in every way that they should make their position a little "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so business at Coburg Square is serious." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Here?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "That is easily got." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Bought." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "No, I think that I'll take it." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the III. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a redistribution. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though in my life." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the vanished into the darkness. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had front of me. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He too. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's nothing with him." "I have come for advice." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "It is his hat." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Pray do so." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself death." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two was a lad." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow to arrive at through this?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. national property. I was determined that the law should have its and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my children over to America with him, so that I found myself without I think that I could be of assistance to you." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She or in danger--" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin very peculiar words of the dying woman?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his that he has suffered." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Pool. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the inquest, and which are worth considering." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "'I have already given you my word.' by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind himself in a perplexing position. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was comes from the middle window." go back?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "What!" he roared. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "And who is her maid?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey be sorry for having acted so harshly." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the of it with the greatest attention. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her again, where I was soon asleep. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "What office?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." I nodded again. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in and a shock of very red hair. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "What, then?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Is he quiet?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the side-table." in the port of London." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat."