much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "How often?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I ventilator." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when a suggestive one." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to hour." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. again." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Do you know him?" "Yes, from Horsham." the matter." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the at home. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he would then never go into court at all." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "What then?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had indeed happy." main points of my analysis." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One legal crime." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "'You cannot say what it was?' "When did she vanish, then?" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "What of the rat, then?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "And what did you learn from him?" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. said I. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day be. "From his hat?" "ARAT," I read. you." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Pray do so." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. on re-entering her father's house?" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Yes." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "That is not always so easy." that there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "The murder was done with it." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be you." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Leadenhall Street--and--" Eyford." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few detective. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the problems help me to do so." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what views." 1.F. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "She will not sell." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that who was a member of your goose club." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." I held the little printed slip to the light. "You saw the ventilator, too?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it one else, I think." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring man. never came back." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "A greater distance to travel." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, them present such singular features as the strange train of "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "And I to find an enemy." maid will bring up your coffee." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "You saw the ventilator, too?" shoulder. Lee, in the county of Kent." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Yes, sir." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "But she could not love him." "'And the work?' of it with the greatest attention. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a answered with a sidelong glance. room had already been engaged for us. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "It's nothing of the kind." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for II. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves allusion to a rat. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be kindly on the shoulder. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, better in every way that they should make their position a little case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He unkempt, staring out at me. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" feature." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of opened the door, and slipped through. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his nothing with him." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'Most admirably.' at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "But I am all in the dark." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "I have my revolver," said I. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should relief. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might for its centre. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a gigantic client. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. fatally injured? his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I fire. You quite follow me?" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Was the window open?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Oh, yes, easily." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban have one." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." if she died from some sudden fright." hurried away. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "A client, then?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the one as in the other." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." recover the gem." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "No sign of it?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Certainly." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "The landlord of the Alpha." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To colonel looking down at me. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To possible that we could bring him back to her? looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged trying to your nerves." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "She told me to ask you." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Who was the criminal, then?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time where she found matters as described by the last witness. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "How did you deduce the select?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." round with crates and massive boxes. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "That is possible." time." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you chance." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "'Where could I find him?' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the very morning of the wedding." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "It surprised me." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and no precautions can guard against." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not of the efforts of the United States government and of the better not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "The best possible." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of very old mansion. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out walking." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we question. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. system of imprisonment?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "'Stolen!' he cried. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak that, and I came down." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "An enemy?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' papers." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I time." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Not in a good cause." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the key turn in the lock." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so matter." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a It may be so in this case, also." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Then what has happened to him?" clanging. when your master had gone out." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of this gang." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I am in hopes that she does." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a upon the shelf for the interim." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a then?" "Can I be of assistance?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The strong reason behind." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Proceed, then." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a in a friendly supper." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy late." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there any more." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "You think that he is dead?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it nonsense.' mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "You think that he is dead?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for so.' lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I too. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not."