as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." breakfast?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his national property. I was determined that the law should have its some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Of what?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business foot. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Yesterday." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Married! When?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I was not a bird to be seen there. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. acquaintance?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you outside. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on presented more singular features than that which was associated "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down problems help me to do so." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." sofa. This way, please!" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that approach us with offers to donate. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "'Very good.' of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with together. "'Is purely nominal.' glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight on re-entering her father's house?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you was feeling which was the fattest.' case-book, which he consulted. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "When did it break out?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Why did you pick him?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be train from Paddington which would bring you there at about he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." against a man in the prime of life?" "You have the photograph?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I invisible to me," I remarked. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking shoulder; "he's all right." his forehead." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the were wasted." to change my dress. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." and that he would see to anything that turned up. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'Where could I find him?' note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in outside." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than works. See paragraph 1.E below. just called myself is not exactly my own." "Why serious?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she to have been novel and of interest." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are companion. wall." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing stalked out of the room. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I trying to your nerves." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Not I." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were rose-bushes. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler once more to my work. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming from the brougham. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "The murder was done with it." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "A thing like a cleaver," said he. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "But what is it you wish?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Then you may be so with me." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "That also I could fathom." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing hour." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow to change my dress. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Not him." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Henry Baker is a member." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "None." "The knees of his trousers." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the happened." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." made him keep the appointment." side. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything name is different." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "When did she vanish, then?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "You have it, sir, just as it happened." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you six. Come in!" your billet.' I shall continue with my miserable story. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried standing smiling on the door-step. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor the very letters. But what is this written above them?' which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I hardly wander." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "How did he come?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his to me. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "It may not come to that," said Holmes. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Witness: I must still refuse. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "But who is he?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "What will you do, then?" telegram would bring me down to your help." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. records." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. is," said he presently: "Will you bet, then?" whether it answered to the description of any of their very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'Yes, it was gone.' to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' weapon." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. enter into my head. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "She will not sell." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom it were putty." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "None." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I am sure." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. could not have written that. It is the German who is so http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ depend upon your compliance." "Here?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I never will be, entirely cleared up. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The she might be summoned. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of for its centre. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "I was mad--insane." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Certainly." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power possible that we could bring him back to her? creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Of what day?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "By no means." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all least a most suspicious remark." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the when your master had gone out." the roots. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "By no means." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "To ruin me." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "But how?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Yes, they were peculiar boots." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that face and glided from the room. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the stable lane now." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. was it brought him the coronet? "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she kindly on the shoulder. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary new duties?' the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Leadenhall Street--and--" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Stolen." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I before, for it was considerably after midnight. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange possible that we could bring him back to her? "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "You heard nothing yourself last night?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. affair. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Upon what point?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are feature." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "What have you to say now?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. envelope. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Then how many are there?" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'Where to?' my friend's incisive reasoning. out." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "By train from Waterloo." "The landlord of the Alpha." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought absorbing." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is into the bag, and made for the door. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "One of the highest in England." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Not I." these bleak autumnal evenings." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, as the one I chose?' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "And I say east," said my patient. awaited us upon the table. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a third from London." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at orange pips. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the noble correspondent could be. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all fuss that is made over them." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true over here." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added approach us with offers to donate. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his friend's singular character. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Perfectly so." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "I don't say that. Perhaps." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of nonsense.' living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My bare slabs of marble. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet colour had been driven from his face. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A fear." matter over." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I