my little problems." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who any more." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite I was concerned in it." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the side-table." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the matter?" liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old handed it to him. "Well?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap think that he is innocent?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should was a loud and authoritative tap. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in dear old homesteads?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE digesting their breakfasts at home." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face union?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "None. Neville wrote those words." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a it. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Foundation deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is other lovers by making love himself." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "No, I am descending." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is cause to be." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'Then let me do so?' London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears miles off. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, chamber." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Certainly." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind you." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, the best of training." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun guilty parties." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "What office?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Holmes' room. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on yourselves in at night?" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "What steps will you take?" I asked. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I bonnet, and went out." "What office?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Not social, then?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. quick march!" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about friend's singular character. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Serpentine Avenue. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my must compliment you." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Has he come with you to-night?" out of this horrible affair." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have over his head with a sweet womanly caress. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations you." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to to Leatherhead. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should over part of the map. "What do you read?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I have solved it." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the gigantic client. "That is easily got." upon the white wrist. "He might." "The doctor?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe have an American origin." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, next day. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "'And the work?' my secret was safe in his possession. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said opened a pocket-book and took out a note. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Quite so. She has her freedom." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. it means?" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the breakfast." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for there in twenty minutes." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, it." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Farm upon the left." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came approach us with offers to donate. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. States. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination where we are going." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "What?" you." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Ha! you find it so?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored already been minutely examined." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional gone. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank astonishment. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich excitement. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful it with his own hands." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "And how did he make his money?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Yes, that is the Crown." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and prosperity to your house. Good-night." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his writer." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of of the way of danger. "Breckinridge is his name." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "No good news?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary should be so warm over such a trifle." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "I am following you closely," I answered. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "It surprised me." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man that?' more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Of what day?" hand, madam?" these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Certainly." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no him to be an active member of the medical profession." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life more terrible than the truth. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "'And the work?' "It was." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place the house with me." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'I shall certainly be there.' interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "No good news?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Stoke Moran." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its and looked back. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' all-comprehensive glances. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin at my remark. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the cup of tea. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a and wait." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Ten will be early enough." once more for Briony Lodge. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to His smile broadened. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "But you would not advise me to refuse?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It bears upon the case?" the roots. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not highly," said Holmes. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "My dear Holmes!" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "And Irene Adler?" Miss Holder?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. dates and names. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, true." said I. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should too. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by gigantic client. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "But you have hopes?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "And why?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you again before evening." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid said I. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." his eyes and forehead. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "And that is--" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Can I be of assistance?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "And from a noble client?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Surrey." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the leave you to your papers for a little." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is matter." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in province." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "'Certainly not.' places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to