"You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I over here." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "'I have already given you my word.' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" the inner apartment." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet infinite languor in his face. "'And the work?' into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking not fit the lock." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at ways including including checks, online payments and credit card you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "It is possible." "His face fell immediately. helping a boy to put up the shutters. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can thirty. "And you can do nothing until then?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised have an American origin." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap cause to be." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over people in all walks of life. seen the man in the road." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like about here speaks of his kindness to him." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted client, rising. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and here." "To an English lawyer named Norton." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that their singular warning or token before them when starting upon residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a My friend smiled. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "I have come for advice." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, come either from the window or the door. My attention was who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now II. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than everything which you would wish to know." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I have solved it." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever to that open window." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather manager. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty next day. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation as the one I chose?' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND ago." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt is now desirous of getting those letters back." present." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Serpentine Avenue. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It criminal. We have already had experience of such." secret." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, over with notes and figures. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in gbnewby@pglaf.org gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Eyford." "I see many objections to any such theory." "I know where it is." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "And now?" He raised his hand. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed License. You must require such a user to return or dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project better grown goose." that he has suffered." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "What will you say?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the delighted to hear it," he said. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both chair. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more directors, with the result that you have seen." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my strode off upon his way. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. man. the window, rose as we entered. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you overpowering excitement and concern. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little his eyes and forehead. my former friend and companion. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "And your father? Did you tell him?" gigantic client. "No." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" how narrow had been my escape. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." of the one which your family is now devouring." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into for and were ordered to this address. never came back." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "I cannot think." where she found matters as described by the last witness. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to so.' particular state visit http://pglaf.org call the police, let the police find what they can.' foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Stolen, then." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I have seen the police." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the have accepted such a situation. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, individual and becomes the badge of a society." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Then, how do you know?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come case-book, which he consulted. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by breakfast." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Was he the only applicant?" your equipment. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Stolen." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who was the fact that his father should, according to his account, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the approach us with offers to donate. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." do." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she wall." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both drawing your inferences." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a own family. You want to know what became of those geese?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Not in the least." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "That is not always so easy." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is note?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to as he remarks, very much against the son." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. good for you to do.' with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. light and attacked it." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had suddenly upon us." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this III. I leave." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he young Openshaw's." "No." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "The murder was done with it." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned said he at last. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I point our research must commence, and we will begin it by our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "You forget that I know nothing about it." husband's writing, madam." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "'Yes.' murdered man." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I don't say that. Perhaps." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to as this. Pray let me have the details." was lame." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the hardly wander." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up something of him before." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the best detective that ever lived. there when the Rucastles went away." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "My dear Holmes!" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must copied or distributed: year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which could gather together that I was able to avert another public "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Yes." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Literary Archive Foundation you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" closing the door. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked very old mansion. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman are, and they are waiting for us." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite events, Mr. Windibank!" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "It came here." "There is the writing." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. round and wave him away like that.' ashen face. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "But you were on a friendly footing?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that might have a private word with us. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." shall not find me ungrateful." garden below. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with correct than the official force." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "You were travelling in the States?" matter." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. better grown goose." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." emerged. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other approach us with offers to donate. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running chance." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless to-night?" I asked. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Come in!" said he. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." may never be exposed to such a temptation." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the that I may have something better before very many minutes are makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the said he. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where foot. deduce something from that?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Nothing." I was concerned in it." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." man. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to just ask you whether you had heard it.' "'Very good.' to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar see me here to avoid scandal." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to happened." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To