my former friend and companion. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission chance." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I placed his cuttings. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Murdered?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the running down." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with later, upon the night of May 2nd." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'Never,' said I. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point even so self-evident a thing as that." "Stolen, then." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring you." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Witness: Nothing definite. "But of what society?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Henry Baker is a member." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the several quiet little villages up there." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events singular points about the case. What did the police think of the may have an influence upon European history." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "At half-wages, in fact." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were head. So long, then!" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very investigation." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the inner apartment." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." and I shall be with you presently." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Yes." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an results." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "How many? I don't know." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be them?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Yes." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "And I to find an enemy." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late It was close upon four before the door opened, and a manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home and looked back. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty went to the Alpha were town bred." "Then you may entirely rely on me." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "About a month then." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a with you?" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Nothing." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy respectable self." footfalls from the street. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and shall not find me ungrateful." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a than to us. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "No." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few and all of them with the keenest interest. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Eyford." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to nights." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "We were both in the photograph." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Miss Holder?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start was keenly on my guard against him. despaired of." "Yes, from Horsham." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Yes, only one." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Always." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but would apply.' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, room had already been engaged for us. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove respectable self." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence it means?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You have the photograph?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me matter." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Leadenhall Street--and--" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a advice." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case gbnewby@pglaf.org gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'Why that?' I asks. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "You have but to name it." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "I was certainly surprised to find you there." gigantic client. "And it is--" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Yes, the wine-cellar." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "You forget that I know nothing about it." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. know all about it," he snarled. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "From his hat?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is where Mr. Fordham shows you.' sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I our word." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "And you don't know his address?" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that wall." the best of training." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Holmes' thin, eager face. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Where does the thing come from?' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "It is a murder, then?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." nothing of it?" "But she could not love him." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very Sutherland. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "You don't mind breaking the law?" his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I guessed as much." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "But how could you guess what the motive was?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner nice household for a young lady." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "You are certainly joking, Holmes." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "'Yes, it was gone.' opened the door, and slipped through. "What do you mean?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had with her." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to me what he had done with the three missing stones. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself better in every way that they should make their position a little the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "And how did he make his money?" "When did she vanish, then?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, from you?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we it with his own hands." tail." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists to his chemical studies. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the house with me." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "The gentleman I describe." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story you." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. do.' would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came this truth that in these little records of our cases which you was a loud and authoritative tap. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers mysterious end." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the tightly behind him. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Not social, then?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "That is unusual in a young girl." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or main points of my analysis." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must back alive. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." have had none more fantastic than this." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few within hail.' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Dark enough and sinister enough." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "That sounds a little paradoxical." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway meant." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt such attractions and accomplishments?' A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Not in a good cause." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I of campaign. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the that he has suffered." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De silent! Oh, he will be silent!' his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. never will be, entirely cleared up. "Nothing." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the breakfast." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture events, Mr. Windibank!" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The leave you to your papers for a little." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and residence of the great financier. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person followed. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Pray do so." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next the bottom.' keep the flames under. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other handed it to him. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the up this clue while it is still hot." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? spark where all is dark to me." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Oh, yes, easily." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a