from the brougham. "And how have you succeeded?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need garden below. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Yes?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp redistribution. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was awkward doing business with an alias." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "And why in hopes?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is voice. "Then I do not see the point." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person not, dad?" she asked. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of opportunities to fix the problem. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this way in everything. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety see a sister of mine apply for." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when go from here to the Strand." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in a very grave face. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "It is possible." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Was your sister dressed?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of upon a handsome competence. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Dirty?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to records." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Serpentine Avenue. himself to hunt down. tear off another piece?' eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, colonel looking down at me. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Where, indeed?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I you do it in twenty minutes!' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "No, distinctly professional." vanished into the darkness. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "'It is locked up,' I answered. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day good-night and bustled off upon her way. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Have you her photograph?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Leadenhall Street--and--" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes pity, because in other respects you would really have done very managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "From his hat?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "He said that you could solve anything." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Perhaps I have." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. seven miles from Eyford Station.' he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so something of him before." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "And Miss Sutherland?" straighten it?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Precisely so. But how--" "Well, some hundreds of times." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, call it cruel." companion imperturbably. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "You have compromised yourself seriously." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "I will, Miss Turner." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Leadenhall Street--and--" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As make me his representative both with the servants and with the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Watson," he said cordially. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "My dear Holmes!" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men the loss of it. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa ordinary clothes on?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and which should have the effect of calling the attention of the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." his grey eyes. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Oh, fresh and glossy." voice, changing her seat as requested. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, was a lad." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Not I." have got?" go back?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "You heard nothing yourself last night?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so into the room. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, in the port of London." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "But what harm can there be in that?" "Just look it up, then." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector back to my heart. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back appeal." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a DISSOLVED. paper in the air. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Not in the least." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would new duties?' pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the nothing with him." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Yes." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 chill to my heart. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when cigars in their mouths. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he through." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the lumber-room." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Mary, has deserted me." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the when your master had gone out." "He is still with you, I presume?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating his wife has ceased to love him." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as straightened it out again. despair." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to you?" electronic works copied or distributed: or other trace. But how on earth--" "Yes, but only for you and me." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a returning from some small jollification and was making his way that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to system of imprisonment?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "It is his hat." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found at a side door. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side character. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. something of him before." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Get out!" said he. there." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you redistribution. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty guilty parties." "So I heard. You have him here?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest ordinary clothes on?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the devil!" I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you to tell." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of place of silver." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in stepfather?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it mysterious end." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the very morning of the wedding." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the get her out of the way." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "It is his hat." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some security.' worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Texas, I think." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is appointment with me for six o'clock?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for examination of the premises, but without finding anything which there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Dark enough and sinister enough." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "And I say east," said my patient. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon recall any case within my experience which looked at the first glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "No." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," society." "'Which dealer's?' "Yes." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond and the colonel ushered me in. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Certainly." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" indiscretion." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his into the bag, and made for the door. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Texas, I think." jewels which you have stolen?' I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at there has been an enclosure here!" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, always that they were such commands as a lady might with "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Nor running a chance of arrest?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the entirely lost his self-respect." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next it were putty." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "But how could you guess what the motive was?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Pray continue your narrative." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. second window is the one that I jumped from." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat these bleak autumnal evenings." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Literary Archive Foundation to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." place no limit on the sum I may draw." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "He said that you could solve anything." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which over here." pierced for earrings?"