for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Entirely." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "How can you tell that?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which other, as fresh and trim as possible. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Dirty?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Pray do so." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. opportunities to fix the problem. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a directors, with the result that you have seen." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep purpose of examination. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be be. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I to go into your room and bar your shutters?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" points to suicide?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only sufficient punishment." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough my secret was safe in his possession. had a long day." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "What do you mean?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "My private note-paper." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his residence of the great financier. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora that you can jump it.' believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, delighted to hear it," he said. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are held up the lantern and gazed about him. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" one else, I think." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new hands. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and disturbance in my wife." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and leaning back in his chair. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look and inquire as to the address." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the of the one which your family is now devouring." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." until night should bring an explanation. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened keep the flames under. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and as he folded up the epistle. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "How do you know, then?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me distance from the station, and there we found the young lady case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Was there a secret marriage?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep nonsense.' the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left fuss that is made over them." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had and it need not interfere very much with one's other "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the driver. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold newspaper selections." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return mystery." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before long narrative. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." tied." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, desk. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter his grey eyes. passage and a tap at the door. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at both be extremely obliged.' tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and official police." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive ceremony." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. a very grave face. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in your most interesting statement." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen interested in these little problems, and since you are good you in your example." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than weapon." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each hurried by. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "You have a clue?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "But what will you do?" Farm upon the left." bird of prey. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "And how in the world did you find them?" "Yes." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire time." "Yes." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just existence." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "I cannot imagine." least a fellow-countryman. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "And how in the world did you find them?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "And how did you find out?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern directors have had misgivings upon the subject." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "I shall be delighted." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Because he was handy and would come cheap." all?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the you do it in twenty minutes!' Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Gutenberg-tm License. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country least a most suspicious remark." careless servant girl?" "No, I had a dozen." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I was mad--insane." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you point our research must commence, and we will begin it by seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "And now?" I asked. taking in every detail of the apartment. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "You horrify me." there has been an enclosure here!" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg it with his own hands." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge a monotonous occupation." other, as fresh and trim as possible. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a burst out into a roar of laughter. "It is his hat." "How did you trace it, then?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Then what has happened to him?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. was keenly on my guard against him. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it possible that we could bring him back to her? she has been waylaid. There has been no result." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Surrey." "Upon what point?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess reach." "It's nothing of the kind." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon cheerful." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "No." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'Is purely nominal.' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Then I shall certainly come." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. happened." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his I think that I could be of assistance to you." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had hour." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his train from Paddington which would bring you there at about (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Never." matter." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might lumber-room." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "I will do it." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I you want, then?' old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "ARAT," I read. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police excitement. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "What do you make of that, Watson?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his tear off another piece?' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." upon the white wrist. humiliation." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Proceed, then." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, side. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist This is what he says: were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "About a month then." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who my little problems." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. coat-tails." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Then I shall certainly come." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken fluttered off among the others. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "What then?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If helping a boy to put up the shutters. chamber." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in would then never go into court at all." "Yes." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms off." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to