"I am afraid that you will find it difficult." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He more solid." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Stoke Moran." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were emerged. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Get out!" said he. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported again on its way. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the was used.' something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible galvanised. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she was a loud and authoritative tap. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his my former friend and companion. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. returning from some small jollification and was making his way to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Yes." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." been able to understand it, in a very few words. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the side-table." highly," said Holmes. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' bird of prey. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. charge against him will break down." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "'Certainly,' I answered. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his about here speaks of his kindness to him." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and him." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads think, you have already met." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, would apply.' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom and your relations to her." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such was keenly on my guard against him. "'Where to?' "But you have hopes?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, definite end. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Never to return." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and mystery!" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." a little more before I quite committed myself. national property. I was determined that the law should have its away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Yes, it would be as well." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting carpenter." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, man. "Yes, certainly." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Holmes, the busybody!" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before followed. words came to my lips. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the stones. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of father's place of business?" IS said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow his knees, staring into the fire. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. to-night?" I asked. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Frequently." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Munro.' advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, article?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such society." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; the general public were present, then?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had he died? "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two suggested at once that there must be a communication between the province." my former friend and companion. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught will not take me long to tell. straightened it out again. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The absolutely follow my advice in every respect." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I am to be neutral?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at said he. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would will find little credit to be gained out of this case." extraordinary contortions. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Never,' said I. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had enter Dr. Roylott's room." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "'As governess?' more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I these bleak autumnal evenings." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. was not a bird to be seen there. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." fashion which was peculiar to him. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' not, dad?" she asked. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out pity, because in other respects you would really have done very important." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his towards the blaze. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in started for the Temple to see my husband. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From My friend smiled. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of prisoner's face. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Texas, I think." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, quite distinctive." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to chemical work which was so dear to him. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I horse could go." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Then the page we have seen--" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Sutherland. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "An accident, I presume?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Stolen, then." politicians who had been sent down from the North. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "It certainly sounds feasible." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Ah, but I was recommended to you." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Why serious?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret country, and eventually married, without anyone having a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can strength." "He slept on the premises." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of extraordinary contortions. "The doctor?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I over part of the map. "What do you read?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to if I call to-morrow?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler jewels which you have stolen?' about. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with morning." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his to change my dress. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black waste of energy." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone invisible to me," I remarked. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "That is unusual in a young girl." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, you." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. followed. "Your French gold?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "I have seen the police." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a you?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "No more words. Get out!" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is you?" I nodded again. with frightened eyes at his accuser. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back case before our client came into the room." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was nights." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to wanted for ourselves." "I think that it is very probable." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "No." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his way: doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." fled together." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Yes." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "In answer to an advertisement." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, she to prove their authenticity?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we secret." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name other means.' "Do you go out much in society?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to dear old homesteads?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." London for the present?" together. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "And why in hopes?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of has little to do with my story." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at window when the police appeared." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'I shall certainly be there.' Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying allusion to a rat. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a deduce something from that?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I will, Miss Turner." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for there is a decided draught." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while leave you to your papers for a little." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the thirty. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered indiscretion." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off appeared upon the scene." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, do." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes."