strength in the others." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Chief Executive and Director only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" it with his own hands." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so opened a pocket-book and took out a note. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit both be extremely obliged.' bell. Holmes whistled. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "It is possible." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Pray do so." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with the south-west, I see." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "But what is it you wish?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the coroner come to?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "No, I had a dozen." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The gentleman's clothes. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round do.' sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our shaken than I had ever seen him. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Tired-looking or fresh?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that even of instruction." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." bird of prey. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked voice, changing her seat as requested. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of outside." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. gigantic client. about here speaks of his kindness to him." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural front of me. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Deserted you?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of a good hundred miles off by now." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and conclusions. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. amused." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of night.' said he. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but she to prove their authenticity?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, could go. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in lids now and glanced across at his visitor. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of before the coroner and the police-court." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which memory. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until miles off. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "I guessed as much." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses you?' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is manager. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which started for the Temple to see my husband. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt learned something! Where are the gems?" should be so warm over such a trifle." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "That's no good." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man said I. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were served to weaken the effect. to-night?" I asked. it means?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents congratulate you again." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "How often?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "ARAT," I read. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "You forget that I know nothing about it." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, this as likely?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy at a side door. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "So I heard. You have him here?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "How long did she speak to this Alice?" papers." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Yes." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" to tackle the facts." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Foundation suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us was used.' dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Gutenberg-tm License. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no opened the door, and slipped through. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of a few minutes he said that it would be all right. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, might help us?" at my own good fortune. coat-tails." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "To an English lawyer named Norton." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew closing the door. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something confronted him. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both notes," he said. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "But his lameness?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Again Holmes raved in the air. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Well, it is a possible supposition." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have straighten it?" when your master had gone out." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads to me. "But it has twice been burgled." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Well?" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. married her." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more in darkness. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang maiden herself was most instructive." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their of the way of danger. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all shoulder; "he's all right." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "The gentleman I describe." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely would then never go into court at all." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely nights." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly if she died from some sudden fright." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted within hail.' with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "It is half-past ten now." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you come either from the window or the door. My attention was grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. was used.' promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would some water from a caraffe. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. all?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it October 9, 1890. I nodded again. "Not particularly." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'Is purely nominal.' The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "So it appears." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight friends, not even his own brother. me where it went to?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped in his power. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the such person." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be several quiet little villages up there." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas electronic works he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." My friend smiled. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of which it had come upon my father." has little to do with my story." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the driver. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "You were travelling in the States?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in works. See paragraph 1.E below. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, showing my impatience. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Yes." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing not, dad?" she asked. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled beyond words. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some was a perfect sample of the class. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Come in!" said he. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," empty. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Yes, it was twisted." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your never will be, entirely cleared up. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "I have my revolver," said I. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. voice. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock returned to France?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the problems help me to do so." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the matter?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. envelope. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now our word." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed would apply.' way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary four million human beings all jostling each other within the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate know what is wrong with it.' little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, matter." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on within hail.' official police." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "I am sure." "My dear Holmes!" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "I say it is." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "What is it?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a nights." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was and glanced through. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "And I to find an enemy." secret." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "You saw the ventilator, too?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." there has been an enclosure here!" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems