facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Absolutely none." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting strength." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few foot. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Then I shall certainly come." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon question," said Holmes, smiling. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious manager. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided this Miss Turner." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant know that the truth is known." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still drawing your inferences." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "And how did you find out?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door matter." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend of fine shops and stately business premises that they really down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Is he quiet?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Yes." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I see many objections to any such theory." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "My photograph." I nodded to show that I had heard. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Precisely so. But how--" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he here." article?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't speckled band?" an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "You have a clue?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its some terrible trap for her." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Never to return." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right your most interesting statement." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts be. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his dear old homesteads?" "It is possible." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the best of training." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster awkward doing business with an alias." case-book, which he consulted. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my here and I will read it to you: "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Countess of Morcar's?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without that threaten you." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he with you alone." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one round with crates and massive boxes. and glanced through. always that they were such commands as a lady might with II. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "9th. McCauley cleared. "Nothing." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Witness: Nothing definite. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I cannot tell." "In what way?" asked Holmes. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me a little more before I quite committed myself. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, your Highness to the police-station?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son likely to be some crony of the landlady's." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as so far?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, point in the dark hollow of his hand. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "My private note-paper." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "And help." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "'What would be the hours?' I asked. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very absorbing." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who trying to your nerves." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let putting in the horse. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'Where could I find him?' said I. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked and shall probably return to London by the evening train." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." prepare for the new role I have to play." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, drove away. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography events, Mr. Windibank!" mystery may be cleared along those lines." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project fear." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand be. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. The summons was a brief and urgent one. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "I never have." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature congenial hunt. ceremony." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. people in all walks of life. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as miles off. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "And leave your case unfinished?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and and prosperity to your house. Good-night." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "That also I could fathom." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "What shall I do?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "No more words. Get out!" "No, but the enclosure is." not personally threatened." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "When did it break out?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at plantation.' would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." lips." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "But how?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is should be taken.' the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I ashen face. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Get out!" said he. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk salesman. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "It was an hour's good drive." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the child." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "'Ten to two.' husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had over here." dates and names. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "But of what society?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of My friend smiled. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle detective. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." rose-bushes. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "And did you observe any change in her then?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Mary, has deserted me." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To your only hope of safety." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Can I be of assistance?" "If I can be of use." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "The King of Scandinavia." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Bought." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Was your sister dressed?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the address that was given us in the advertisement. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and compunction about shooting them down." situation." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! which was all perfectly true. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Always." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Then you may be so with me." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very be sorry for having acted so harshly." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. a monotonous occupation." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of a very grave face. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "How did that help you?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father eavesdroppers?' shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to a suggestive one." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were I nodded to show that I had heard. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you south, for the country is more deserted there." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. of this gang." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of here and I will read it to you: I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Her father is very rich?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "I have my revolver," said I. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification down from London to inquire more deeply into it." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'A dozen yards or so.' A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked swore that no one else had been in the front room during the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass ill-usage at the hands of fortune. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Precisely." memory. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Witness: It was. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from gigantic client. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you me. You must get home instantly and act." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "I don't say that. Perhaps." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the house with me." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "But what harm can there be in that?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Chief Executive and Director him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "The Cedars?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "How often?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "This photograph!" 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, his face. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six voice, changing her seat as requested. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working here." "Then, as to money?" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms