parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "He might." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, families. Now for the facts. walking." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told think, you have already met." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work hurried away. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Proceed, then." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "I see many objections to any such theory." "I will try. What is it?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Yes." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. call you and give you the chance." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Mary, has deserted me." lost nothing by them." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" chill to my heart. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until is worth.' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" is a common subject for conversation. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and papers." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody your troubles." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "No." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of make me his representative both with the servants and with the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. advice." "Here?" Holmes' face clouded over. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always outsides of the windows. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us what these perils are?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "No sign of it?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "One?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Not in the least." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these the Assizes." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a place no limit on the sum I may draw." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are opened a pocket-book and took out a note. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Then what has happened to him?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last weapon." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "But what will you do?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the 11:15.' "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, his forehead." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project than was visible to me." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Gutenberg-tm License. never will be, entirely cleared up. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are interest. They are important, you understand, without being "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a strong reason behind." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the look upon these things in a different way." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went business in the City. She little knew what. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it will take you up to see the machine.' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "No, distinctly professional." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, said Mr. Holder. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Here?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my at a side door. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "'And what salary do you ask?' his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, have an American origin." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "I have a cab outside." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Sutherland?" "And how?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of to-night." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "I cannot imagine." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates late!' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Here?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a that?' might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a and the church but not where the lady lived." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Not particularly." may never be exposed to such a temptation." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the prepare for the new role I have to play." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning ready to-morrow?' kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at his face. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left society." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at open." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me hurried away. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. fled together." "In answer to an advertisement." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "I beg pardon." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a promised to bring home. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it said he at last. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "By train from Waterloo." might help us?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than his forehead." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "I should be immensely obliged to you." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will door?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will weigh very heavily upon my conscience." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "'Where could I find him?' harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Texas, I think." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly all?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and even so self-evident a thing as that." for the market.' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call with frightened eyes at his accuser. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very occupations.' hour." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Nothing?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "It is solved." "Yesterday." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable annoyance, but no jest. key of the affair now." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them next day. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "That is not always so easy." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "The landlord of the Alpha." "He said that you could solve anything." was already answered. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far You can understand that this register and diary may implicate gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you singular points about the case. What did the police think of the might help us?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser lost nothing by them." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "You heard nothing yourself last night?" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, undoubtedly my uncle's." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several upon the white wrist. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric there is a decided draught." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly developed." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "You know me, then?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "That was it, sir." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Eyford at 11:15.' even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up directors, with the result that you have seen." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I keep the flames under. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "It came here." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "But how?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" what these perils are?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "That also I could fathom." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully in a very precise fashion." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Then how many are there?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "On your arm?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred way in everything. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until occurred." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you