During two years I have had three consultations and one small carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "No sign of it?" or other trace. But how on earth--" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. strength of mind to control. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not this poor creature." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had hurried by. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Henry Baker is a member." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "I will try. What is it?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Then he might have called to you?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from fear." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "In heaven's name, what for?" as this. Pray let me have the details." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Very truly yours, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in gone before you can get him to hospital." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." you." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "You are certainly joking, Holmes." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings there were so many in the whole country as were brought together pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite arrested. You then--" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all unkempt, staring out at me. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can with some details as to your case." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in information in his hands the value of which he did not himself submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then his eyes and forehead. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Your French gold?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "How on earth--" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would that?' and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small whereabouts. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival it were putty." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Yes, sir." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five his knees, staring into the fire. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "In the cells." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the through." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in too. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that him." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. you, my dear young lady?' said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a new acquaintance to Baker Street. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all handed it to him. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "And what then?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover several quiet little villages up there." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Leave Paddington by the 11:15." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental relation between them, and what the object of his repeated whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch all-comprehensive glances. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "And when will you call?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "What, then?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while been shamefully used." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. conceal it?" green of the new foliage. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Holmes' room. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "'Oh, no.' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so side. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was events, Mr. Windibank!" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Indeed! Whose, then?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off woven round him. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Where did you address your letters, then?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "How about poison?" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a existence." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "And what then?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped if only as a check to my own memory." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. into the room. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to delighted to hear it," he said. few hundred pounds.' "No." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of strode off upon his way. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Was he the only applicant?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Why did you beat the pavement?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and behind me. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to page at http://pglaf.org tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "And how did he make his money?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "No, my brougham is waiting." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for of the vacancies.' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone house for five minutes.' have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project narrative." conduct the inquiry." you?' guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning your bag." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally present strange and interesting features that it is no easy was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders to take care of herself." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" in this way: I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife you." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my swore that no one else had been in the front room during the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, to that open window." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "That is possible." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a in your London, you will know that the office of the company is reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This least a fellow-countryman. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Miss Holder?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Very murderous indeed." You want to know what became of those geese?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had asked with his eyes open. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already generous with you in money matters.' "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at locked." allusion to a rat. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other and put his glass in his pocket. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. had picked up in the wood. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further eat it." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Really! You surprise me." "When did she vanish, then?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "And on what day did he meet his death?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "What then?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for back to my heart. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is me." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a keep the flames under. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but any more." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "But you have hopes?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we I. I have it here in my museum." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the one as in the other." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, see a sister of mine apply for." was lame." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "This photograph!" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited your billet.' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "When did she vanish, then?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The coroner's jury." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the house with me." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and photograph a cabinet?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I when your master had gone out." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, weapon." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," one of the states of the Union." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my in his hands." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting papers." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from national property. I was determined that the law should have its should be taken.' than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Get out!" said he. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few disturbance in my wife." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was have not had my rubber." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an voice, changing her seat as requested. taking in every detail of the apartment. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "The best possible." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Serpentine Avenue. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and newspaper selections." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "ARAT," I read. British peeress.'" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "To ruin me." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say