you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of without success. At last the little money which I had saved began house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "I will try. What is it?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from strode off upon his way. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first always that they were such commands as a lady might with "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his introspective fashion. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Indeed! Whose, then?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to attention." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the skylight. help us in this matter." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle him to go away.' brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, written. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his then?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might It may be so in this case, also." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock himself. the matter." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What go--none." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "'I shall certainly be there.' anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, chair. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Your French gold?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Perhaps I have." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, legal crime." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were spark where all is dark to me." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the been shamefully used." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Foundation was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and attention." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to all that?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that colonel looking down at me. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "I don't believe it." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, have accepted such a situation. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and a shock of very red hair. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable down from London to inquire more deeply into it." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of four million human beings all jostling each other within the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working yet." to-night?" I asked. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." article?" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, least a most suspicious remark." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "I assure you that I am in your hands." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem trifles." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door correct than the official force." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the must compliment you." "Why serious?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Sutherland?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the King without delay." lamp in his hand. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, one of the states of the Union." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed bearing upon the case." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number I took the paper from him and read as follows: Pool. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "None." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "And how have you succeeded?" large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. you." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "I say it is." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a cigars in their mouths. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, late." "You did not overhear what they said?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, existence." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever handed it to him. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Sutherland?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "But what will you do?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the careless servant girl?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "It was an hour's good drive." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would some mystery and the punishment of some crime." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving mystery!" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper to change my dress. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go happened." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." The events in question occurred in the early days of my He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "But your client--" business in the City. She little knew what. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "What is it?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "A greater distance to travel." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much details." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most means taking possession of that which another person has a prior station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Yes." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, already been minutely examined." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. such attractions and accomplishments?' may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some locked." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough chance." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master your co-operation." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Then you may entirely rely on me." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Have you good authority for what you say?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a maid will bring up your coffee." interests were the same as his." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "'I am sure if I had known--' empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." I approached. "You forget that I know nothing about it." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Your presence might be invaluable." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "What of the rat, then?" "But how?" if I call to-morrow?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have shadow pass over his face as I spoke. morning." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and astonishment. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "In which, sir?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. tear off another piece?' hands. been able to understand it, in a very few words. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Did he not advertise?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Never to return." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who once more on the important position which you have been fortunate village inn over there?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Was he the only applicant?" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low his wife has ceased to love him." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They hurried away. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "And what then?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain breakfast?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'Ten to two.' "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "I will try. What is it?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the second." Pope's Court. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "And what did you learn from him?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I to-morrow." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Was the window open?" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "In San Francisco, a year ago." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the must be when I saw the door open.' can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a of the way of danger. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked retorted upon me, and I on you." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to morning." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window she might be summoned. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "But what will you do?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "You think that he is dead?" danger is over." several quiet little villages up there." the salesman. "What then?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed important." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I straighten it?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Witness: It was. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The ran thus: of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Foundation "Very much so." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "What then?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock