people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no test if we have an answer to our advertisement." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good legal crime." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried once more. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "But the mystery?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly to have been novel and of interest." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was very peculiar words of the dying woman?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "One of the highest in England." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, gone before you can get him to hospital." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, brandy and water within his reach. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I would pay ten." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the coronet in his hands?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "And Irene Adler?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Not him." "Your French gold?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my again, where I was soon asleep. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "There are none." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a and the church but not where the lady lived." constraint." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "And you don't know his address?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Then I shall certainly come." sneer upon his pale face. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, that?' not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "But he might be a bachelor." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks problems help me to do so." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your with you alone." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "It is no ordinary one." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I towards the blaze. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the McCarthy's innocence. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "This concluded the examination of the witness." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A giving me time to thank him. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I am sure." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and capable of preserving a secret.' one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I shoulder; "he's all right." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case said he at last. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and business." cigars in the box." danger is over." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I foot. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones might help us?" suspect him." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." business matters.' was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be of them has the shutters up.' look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in I. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the straighten it?" said he. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "But she will refuse." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all quickly through a disagreeable task. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew good-night and bustled off upon her way. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "A confidential servant?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "What then?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. a suggestive one." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as meanly of me." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private to arrive at through this?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you towards the blaze. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was examination of the premises, but without finding anything which There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and this unhappy family?" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Where does the thing come from?' "No." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of fuss that is made over them." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and not as remarkable as your advertisement." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can License. You must require such a user to return or "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so away in different directions, and I went off to make my own located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from you give your casting vote to?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor room?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know fact, we may call it conclusive." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Quite so. She has her freedom." "I shall most certainly do so." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient hour." business." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been death." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a when you have done it." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw of a light. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, digesting their breakfasts at home." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: go back?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Yes." had a long day." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Arthur Conan Doyle shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE photograph?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Her father is very rich?" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." call the police, let the police find what they can.' George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a The telegram which we eventually received came late one night tapping his fingers upon the table. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the nothing with him." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the night.' "Certainly." in his hands." tension within him. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will very morning of my second wedding." noble correspondent could be. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This read it out to me." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are washing it down with a long draught of water. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "He is still with you, I presume?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Holmes. you, my dear young lady?' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." occurred." "But your client--" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year wedding?" "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "But who is he?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting flock.' "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a best detective that ever lived. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" back to my heart. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an several quiet little villages up there." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "In answer to an advertisement." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "And why in hopes?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "None." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not minor matters until to-morrow." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled waste of energy." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and may never be exposed to such a temptation." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it trying to your nerves." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I see no marks." rooms." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening think that he is innocent?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him and inquire as to the address." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on think, you have already met." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, up this clue while it is still hot." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled for the market.' "Certainly, madam." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded whereabouts. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed carpenter." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "You saw the ventilator, too?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, own family. locked." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "And for present expenses?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of you want, then?' again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate three fields round his house, and there he would take his the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. strength in the others." conclusions. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His that?' "But she will refuse." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb should be taken.' evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "I say that I have solved it." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Was she in good spirits?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I distance from the station, and there we found the young lady value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "'And what salary do you ask?' WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "And what then?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the so-precious time, but come!' wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Yes." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." unprofitable." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows gentleman's clothes. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been