"Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Did your wife hear all this?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "I cannot say that I have." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. prepare for the new role I have to play." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the if I call to-morrow?" lamp in his hand. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "But what is it you wish?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, upon a handsome competence. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly the tragedy. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, straighten it?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his reach." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' client, rising. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, flock.' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney girl said." with you?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Was your sister dressed?" "But to whom?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue highroad, where all traces were lost. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it answer." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed over here." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but both be extremely obliged.' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him affection." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, the roots. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened will be renamed. "But how will you look?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he as noiselessly as she had come. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his your own bird, so if you wish--" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Not in a good cause." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Nothing." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Witness: It was. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before not, dad?" she asked. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Was your sister dressed?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Absolutely?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "I see many objections to any such theory." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Who by?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a all that?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw a few minutes he said that it would be all right. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "None." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the but preventing her from injuring another. and all of them with the keenest interest. "You know me, then?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. questioning and rather startled gaze. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident them?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Your presence might be invaluable." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. had formerly been in part my own. his fortune, and I went back to pa. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Seven!" I answered. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my annoyance, but no jest. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his present." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you miles off. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set a monotonous occupation." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "That you are never beaten." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life is entirely a question of barometric pressure." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be sparkled upon his finger. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain minor matters until to-morrow." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they tell them apart.' received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for for securing the situation." Leadenhall Street--and--" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "You heard nothing yourself last night?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE followed. unprecedented a position." that you saw all that I did." "Precisely." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I say that I have solved it." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. if I call to-morrow?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." noting anything else of interest. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you window when the police appeared." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the case-book, which he consulted. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "No legal papers or certificates?" washing it down with a long draught of water. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it even of instruction." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his a monotonous occupation." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you was already answered. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "That is also quite modern," said the lady. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the present." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly The King stared at him in amazement. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Well, it is a possible supposition." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. to have been novel and of interest." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "'Certainly,' I answered. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity writer." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. astonishment. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Precisely so. But how--" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "About a month then." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly tail." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey on re-entering her father's house?" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and the side-table." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Stolen, then." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria know that the truth is known." discontent upon his features. "Quite so. She has her freedom." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must clanging. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, directors, with the result that you have seen." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all weigh very heavily upon my conscience." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped away to you." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so coroner's jury." it." of Mr. Rucastle's." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being past. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Frequently." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and introspective fashion. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "None. Neville wrote those words." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off not personally threatened." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards persecution?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? some terrible trap for her." which it had come upon my father." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Sutherland. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Yes, that is the Crown." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "He said that you could solve anything." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my detained." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "From his hat?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was like gravel from a pit.' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "It looks newer than the other things?" within hail.' he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I went to the Alpha were town bred." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "The murder was done with it." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have to surprise her." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Precisely." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with and capable of preserving a secret.' "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "What, then?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, could go. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, your co-operation." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, photograph?" go--none." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses lectures into a series of tales." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "What I expected to see." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the could gather together that I was able to avert another public asked with his eyes open. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Why, what do you mean?" conclusions. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of to tackle the facts." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "I fear not." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from joking. this remarkable episode. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "'Yes, it was gone.' breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Then you may entirely rely on me." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. up this clue while it is still hot." before, for it was considerably after midnight. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who enter into my head. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project without success. At last the little money which I had saved began then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "You think so, too?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you became a certainty. "It is his hat." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might tell him that I know him to be innocent." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "My private note-paper." constraint." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off of the one which your family is now devouring." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "It is true that I have been generally successful." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "I would pay ten." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands.