"Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert voice. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. my former friend and companion. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of But Holmes shook his head gravely. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "But how?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Did your wife hear all this?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "You think so, too?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever get the tickets." wall." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "A call for help, you thought?" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or me." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. words came to my lips. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "It surprised me." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "I beg pardon." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some quite distinctive." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even crackling voice. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I was afraid that you were engaged." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "What I expected to see." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed confronted him. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled useful material for showing traces. The double line a little thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. breakfast." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the window, rose as we entered. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them brandy and water within his reach. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Did you observe the colour?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his asked. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "I was mad--insane." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for not come at once?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the coronet at all injured?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Ah!" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "And why?" digesting their breakfasts at home." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Then I shall certainly come." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that place, I think that there is good ground to think that the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch at my own good fortune. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do colonel looking down at me. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the intrusion of other matters." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance intrusion of other matters." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "My dear Holmes!" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the stones. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little point our research must commence, and we will begin it by I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "I think it very unlikely." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "What is it, then--a fire?" a monotonous occupation." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put long narrative. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making that before taking the final step I should like to submit the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while approach us with offers to donate. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's families. Now for the facts. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Your sister is dead, then?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the nursery. "I will, Miss Turner." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Why did you beat the pavement?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "How did he come?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there that see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Nothing?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Edgeware Road. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, leave you to your papers for a little." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working his face which made him a very different person to the round, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "They are typewritten," I remarked. have I gained?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "No more words. Get out!" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "My dear Holmes!" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Was your sister dressed?" What do you deduce from it?" manager. "No." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be has little to do with my story." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of with the outside air!" green of the new foliage. directly by questioning you." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and had died away into the silence from which it rose. breakfast?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with with you?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter garden below. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were which should have the effect of calling the attention of the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very The events in question occurred in the early days of my array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I once more for Briony Lodge. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "What is it?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "None." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll and a shock of very red hair. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'About the same.' "How are you getting on?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I will not look." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just floor. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you as this. Pray let me have the details." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Precisely so. But how--" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "'There is a drive, then?' at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The swore that no one else had been in the front room during the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she fatally injured? struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Munro.' takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then fact, we may call it conclusive." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to http://gutenberg.net/license). whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'What are you doing there?' he asked. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I entirely devoid of interest." is worth.' "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Stoke Moran." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all fat-encircled eyes. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is and I shall be with you presently." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond your sleep?' "My last client of the sort was a king." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of footfalls from the street. dead, shall be safe with us." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "But she could not love him." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these bird I ate is country bred." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I if I call to-morrow?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Have you it here?" the salesman. morning." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "BALLARAT." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the and the whole place is in a blaze." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and wedding?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." London for the present?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got a monotonous occupation." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I sake, don't!" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "I know where it is." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the meant." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "You have a clue?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to me." fatally injured? "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a until night should bring an explanation. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Well, but China?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "And you thought he was pulled back?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' people in all walks of life. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." nice household for a young lady." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Gutenberg-tm License. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the so-precious time, but come!' "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I have come for advice." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for have accepted such a situation. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have will not take me long to tell. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought bonnet, and went out." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter to where he stood hid behind the curtain. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Frequently." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his of the one which your family is now devouring." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. lamp. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." later, upon the night of May 2nd." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for something of him before." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am papers diligently of late, have you not?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the window, rose as we entered. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough