the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both when your master had gone out." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from read over the extraordinary announcement. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told time." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I cannot imagine." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Certainly." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "'Yes, sir.' "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes and have this put in the evening papers." acted in my house last night?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered will be renamed. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have bedroom door." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I cannot imagine." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able strong and stiff." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. me." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "It is very kind of you." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of be sorry for having acted so harshly." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the again." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but writing, and yet I know it well." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a charged with?" notes," he said. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "And how did he make his money?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "And you can do nothing until then?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "At the wedding breakfast." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Precisely." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who look dissatisfied." "Has he come with you to-night?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "But she will refuse." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this some mystery and the punishment of some crime." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" events, Mr. Windibank!" "How many? I don't know." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case went to the Alpha were town bred." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "What will you do, then?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but them?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "He said that you could solve anything." "And how?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were writer." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "'Yes, it was gone.' "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, think, you have already met." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Was he the only applicant?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper disturbance in my wife." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of look upon these things in a different way." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "My opinion is in no way altered." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Bought." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Mary, has deserted me." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We me what he had done with the three missing stones. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a ran thus: matter over." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do to miss it." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite looking up at the numbers of the houses." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "An accident, I presume?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of pound a week." you." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "No legal papers or certificates?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense conduct the inquiry." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way companion quietly. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the them present such singular features as the strange train of the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps better in every way that they should make their position a little to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Witness: I must still refuse. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my once more. of your young ladies.' had a long day." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "You horrify me!" the so-precious time, but come!' railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "He might." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" unclasping of his long thin hands. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "And what did you learn from him?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit appeared upon the scene." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Eyford at 11:15.' entirely devoid of interest." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "'Never.' ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My strength in the others." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "I never have." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the loss of it. electronic works some city in a dream. the best of training." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Pray tell us what has happened to you." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When exactly what you advise." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'Where to?' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight off." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and footfalls from the street. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Literary Archive Foundation photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that when you have done it." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her fait accompli?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite your co-operation." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "It is possible." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a my secret was safe in his possession. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." he. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "No. His orders were to stay in the house." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Perhaps I have." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with arrangements." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "I was sure that I might rely on you." "She walked into the breakfast-room." appeal." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Who by?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get in a friendly supper." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from she might be summoned. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his me upon any point which I do not make clear." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his sake, don't!" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to American. Then who could this American be, and why should he you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Perhaps we may make them less so." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler even of instruction." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Here?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I warn you that they are very incomplete." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Now, then, what's the last entry?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Absolutely none." I shall communicate with you." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "So I am. Very much so." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in up this clue while it is still hot." beyond words. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom plantation.' the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts front of me. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else exactly what you advise." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it to a light-house. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how ventilator." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most as yours." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "I beg pardon." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him my special province." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what you came in." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "'There is a drive, then?' of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a II. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. cigars in their mouths. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, on in his house." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and effective." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly that before taking the final step I should like to submit the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. address. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Yes." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through hair?' "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair.