call for it in person on Monday morning.' passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so strength in the others." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Well, but China?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have hard-headed British jury." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of bachelor.' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" down. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a all?" look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned that the gas is not laid on in his house?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to cigars in the box." "Here?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I should like to see him very much." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "9th. McCauley cleared. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear himself to hunt down. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of outside." his eyes and forehead. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 third from London." "What can you not understand?" questionable one." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his room. me. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. at home. time." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Mrs. Toller serenely. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, four million human beings all jostling each other within the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, interested in these little problems, and since you are good the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "What of the rat, then?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the there!' Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the whole matter to your consideration." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that results." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think what do you think they found in the pockets?" nothing of it?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary interested in these little problems, and since you are good the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods it means?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from cheerful." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the heavy and sharp instrument." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "You will not go there first?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly chance at all." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the heavy and sharp instrument." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he maiden herself was most instructive." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and could go. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the comes from the middle window." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, money should be paid at once.' believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Now, then, what's the last entry?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one wedding?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "And how did he make his money?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen into her hand at the door and which lured her within their address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I was mad--insane." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently chair. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Sutherland. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the never came back." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Yes, but only for you and me." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Always." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time I am not easy in my mind about them." "Certainly." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' tightly behind him. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. pressing in one house as in another. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "'Which dealer's?' exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices off." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "That is unusual in a young girl." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help already been minutely examined." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some you understand?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. matter." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone one of the states of the Union." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while his huge brown hands. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in which it had come upon my father." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Which surely he restored to their owner?" and capable of preserving a secret.' immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "You don't mind breaking the law?" "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "But how?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing shall not find me ungrateful." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Where, indeed?" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but depend upon your compliance." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without several quiet little villages up there." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I furiously. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to late." is so. I know all about McCarthy." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her help us in this matter." have been better. It is all right." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous you give your casting vote to?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "My Mary? Impossible!" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'Yes, it was gone.' assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded business came to an end." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a lids now and glanced across at his visitor. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't colour had been driven from his face. "Where is it, then?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when whereabouts. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'I have heard so.' strode off upon his way. prepare for the new role I have to play." "And Irene Adler?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that have not had my rubber." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Then you may entirely rely on me." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Frequently." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "What do you make of that, Watson?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Count Von Kramm." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a was feeling which was the fattest.' "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "You forget that I know nothing about it." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH The events in question occurred in the early days of my Stoke Moran." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the devil!" your sleep?' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," himself to hunt down. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he people in all walks of life. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her anything to do with the matter?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence do you make of it all?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Well, some hundreds of times." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms in this note: III. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'No, I know no one in these parts.' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old reach." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go presented which may be striking and bizarre without being at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the records." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly said he at last. "'I am sure that I do not know.' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call asked with his eyes open. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." and no precautions can guard against." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six read over the extraordinary announcement. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which giving me time to thank him. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads you." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the night.' I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. awaited us upon the table. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Ah, but I was recommended to you." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Who was the criminal, then?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban up this clue while it is still hot." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "When did it break out?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' that I am arrested." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their third from London." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a open." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of some mystery and the punishment of some crime." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first the bed, and you in that chair." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. lost nothing by them." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "At what time?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Doctor, of the paper and the date." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too gone. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me.