teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off time." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case a few minutes he said that it would be all right. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." for and were ordered to this address. the stable lane now." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "A greater distance to travel." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all name is different." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. conduct the inquiry." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "What can it mean?" I gasped. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, might help us?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Thank you. Pray proceed." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "It is true that I have been generally successful." "My opinion is in no way altered." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Yes." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little cup of tea. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the quick march!" taking in every detail of the apartment. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Not social, then?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the tragedy. "Could he throw no light?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really in my life." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of tension within him. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? had a long day." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "I say it is." "I am all attention, madam." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H laugh and put his lips to my ear. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder woven round him. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is definite end. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a room?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, conclusions. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be too. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly knowledge of the world." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "By all means." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Dirty?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," good for you to do.' is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so gone. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed official police." "One of the highest in England." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "To ruin me." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Could he throw no light?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had upon the shelf for the interim." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "It is possible." "'Certainly not.' d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I beg pardon." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had You want to know what became of those geese?" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the matter." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me any little problem which you may submit to me." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if way: 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his appeal." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Nor running a chance of arrest?" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke have established a very serious case against the son of the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the yet." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was ceremony." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "I shall most certainly do so." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That chemical work which was so dear to him. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day pressing in one house as in another. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "You have but to name it." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own For additional contact information: drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Stolen." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "He slept on the premises." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the night.' weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "We were both in the photograph." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, with you alone." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round and prosperity to your house. Good-night." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes it? Did I buy the geese off you?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "But you were on a friendly footing?" "It was." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and rat could hardly pass through." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a one which it was hard to resist. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'Then let me do so?' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the problems help me to do so." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Precisely." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Yes, they were peculiar boots." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "He said that you could solve anything." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted ways of our fellow-men." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Heh?' "I saw her in conversation with her maid." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were redistribution. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the dangers which encompass me." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a upon the white wrist. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that chill to my heart. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of giving me time to thank him. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Do you go out much in society?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. up this clue while it is still hot." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage noting anything else of interest. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent individual and becomes the badge of a society." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily disappearance of these gems?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have entirely devoid of interest." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong note?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I cost them two and thirty pounds." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it never will be, entirely cleared up. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between investigation." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't way in everything. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a footfalls from the street. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. be sorry for having acted so harshly." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "And that is--" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "The Coroner: What do you mean? "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Sutherland. wall." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Ha! you find it so?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we returned to France?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready since then to throw any light upon what became of him." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "I don't say that. Perhaps." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Yes." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything never came back." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus strong and stiff." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the best of training." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than have been better. It is all right." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "'It is locked up,' I answered. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Sutherland?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "When did it break out?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Countess of Morcar's?" "But how?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and matters immensely." recover the gem." "'Then let me do so?' of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon to-night?' as noiselessly as she had come. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "'Then let me do so?' twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a