"Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "I cannot tell." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am will he say when he returns?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' following enigmatical notices: well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Your sister is dead, then?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." married her." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the too. carriage. It was a chestnut." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of fluttered off among the others. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and absorbing." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which occurred." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "You are all wrong." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door good-night and bustled off upon her way. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "And that is--" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to of the one which your family is now devouring." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with populous neighbourhood." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof money should be paid at once.' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "No, I think that I'll take it." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "ARAT," I read. upon an income of about 60 pounds." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "So I heard. You have him here?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "And what then?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; any more." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. walking." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "No." presume?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "I should like to see him very much." "What I expected to see." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "I do." your co-operation." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "What! You do not mean bodies?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian our word." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Married! When?" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "And the murderer?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary to-night?' "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and crime." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an important." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "But she could not love him." ways of our fellow-men." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "A client, then?" "But we can't all be." suspect him." Chief Executive and Director called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, other, as fresh and trim as possible. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to and put his glass in his pocket. Sutherland?" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. memory. security.' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Bought." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, what do you think they found in the pockets?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the bottom.' I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "'There is a drive, then?' "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." redistribution. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "How did you deduce the select?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp threw himself down with his face to the pillow. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." lost his Christmas dinner." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "You heard nothing yourself last night?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." enter into my head. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." unprofitable." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his direction." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a public press." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and have this put in the evening papers." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Well?" extraordinary contortions. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are your only hope of safety." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" sofa. This way, please!" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. you, my dear young lady?' "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "No, I am descending." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "It is possible." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Oh, fresh and glossy." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever to you." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, desk. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at pity, because in other respects you would really have done very of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your empty. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" public press." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "And the cigar-holder?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the stones. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too to-night's adventure." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and late." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "What can it mean?" I gasped. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your prepare for the new role I have to play." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of nonsense.' Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of reach." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the hour." the general public were present, then?" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray maid will bring up your coffee." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local hour?' outbreak?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Yes?" and I shall be with you presently." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Do you receive much company?" he asked. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Absolutely none." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I astonishment. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. what is your own theory as to what took place?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "But she will refuse." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, it." "Very. But will he see it?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about along the entire front of the house, with three long windows together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would know all about it," he snarled. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "The rest you will leave in our hands." business in the City. She little knew what. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before union?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Yes, from Horsham." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Munro.' woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to trying to your nerves." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this relief. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "At half-wages, in fact." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue some terrible trap for her." get her out of the way." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "I think it very unlikely." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "No, my brougham is waiting." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits drove away. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for gbnewby@pglaf.org "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the face and glided from the room. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I as he folded up the epistle. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these beg that you will break it off." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just had this final quarrel? passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they lumber-room." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "It is very clear." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Precisely so. But how--" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally visitors." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "And for present expenses?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end sofa. This way, please!" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Heh?' found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. ways of our fellow-men." seem to you to be relevant or not." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it your most interesting statement." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'I am sure that I do not know.' "'Then let me do so?' family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was examine." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that American. Then who could this American be, and why should he is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; tell them apart.' gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Pool. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" promised to bring home. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the