his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "But I am all in the dark." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "In the cells." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case overpowering excitement and concern. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. you?' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "And how in the world did you find them?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we nothing with him." "I don't believe it." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Why, it's a dummy," said he. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "You did not overhear what they said?" "Because he was handy and would come cheap." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the hurried by. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely to talk it over. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich public press." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the King without delay." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Farm upon the left." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had it right.' business came to an end." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Of what?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, in the dead of the night?' when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Heh?' is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the unkempt, staring out at me. examine." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Surrey." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. populous neighbourhood." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "What steps will you take?" I asked. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "I am following you closely," I answered. "VIOLET HUNTER." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. was not a bird to be seen there. "Never." room had already been engaged for us. look upon these things in a different way." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "It was a confession," I ejaculated. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, bell. Holmes whistled. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of front of me. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much already referred to. "No, finished." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Then, how do you know?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I and no precautions can guard against." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my begin with, and I had not got mine yet." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I point in the dark hollow of his hand. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "I cannot imagine." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, key turn in the lock." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were maiden herself was most instructive." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Then what has happened to him?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something go from here to the Strand." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "What have you to say now?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With tassel actually lying upon the pillow. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a became a certainty. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the true." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he His smile broadened. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the as he remarks, very much against the son." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad few hundred pounds.' neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. do." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "You have the photograph?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "You saw the ventilator, too?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life be. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' that?' "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "How about poison?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's again before evening." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "10th. John Swain cleared. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND chill to my heart. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be instituted." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known this poor creature." "Where did you address your letters, then?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker British peeress.'" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'Most admirably.' to-morrow." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "A confidential servant?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "You did not overhear what they said?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." third from London." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "But not more so than I to find you." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the nursery. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then upon the white wrist. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked been deceived." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "'Is 4 pounds a week.' eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his you give your casting vote to?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a horse could go." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom writer." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "But what will you do?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that mysterious end." "Yes." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during His smile broadened. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm your own bird, so if you wish--" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings of." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "'Certainly not. But why?' "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied she used." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together flock.' I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past nothing of it?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the general public were present, then?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across answered with a sidelong glance. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "None. Neville wrote those words." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your not fit the lock." "Then you may entirely rely on me." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "The knees of his trousers." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small matter." "Yes, that is the Crown." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'What would be the hours?' I asked. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with outsides of the windows. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt fasten all the windows?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from politicians who had been sent down from the North. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "I cannot say that I have." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Absolutely none." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or strong reason behind." that I am arrested." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Yes." "Nothing." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Game for a morning drive?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went spare." "'How far from the body?' hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "That's no good." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "So I am. Very much so." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding strong and stiff." business." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in been lifted and conveyed somewhere." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the stable lane now." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my national property. I was determined that the law should have its definite end. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You conduct the inquiry." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" when your master had gone out." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you to-night?" I asked. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as fuss that is made over them." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Certainly." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Yes." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a daring than any effort of the imagination." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, you for a few hours?" "Nearly eleven." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. discontent upon his features. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Imitated." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "'A dozen yards or so.' returned to France?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly constraint." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in what these perils are?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. that threaten you." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was handed it to him. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Yes." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George This is what he says: jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Lee, in the county of Kent." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "And I say east," said my patient. of the one which your family is now devouring." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "They are typewritten," I remarked. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "I cannot imagine." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' relation between them, and what the object of his repeated remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself