"Just look it up, then." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "'Yes, sir.' "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Yes." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'Not at all. I only doubt--' We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and of Mr. Rucastle's." the running down." "Nothing." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Dr. Gregory B. Newby lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting to-night?" I asked. I nodded again. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Yes, he did." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Were they all fastened this morning?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Yes." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, yards of it?' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty not as remarkable as your advertisement." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the strong and stiff." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Yes." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "And what did you learn from him?" against a man in the prime of life?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices absolutely follow my advice in every respect." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. individual and becomes the badge of a society." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "My photograph." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a instituted." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste always that they were such commands as a lady might with crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his about here speaks of his kindness to him." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert this truth that in these little records of our cases which you cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he sparkled upon his finger. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "'Then let me do so?' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no room. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great which are rolled in Rotterdam." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug unprofitable." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "What do you mean?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand was the fact that his father should, according to his account, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with distinguish the words: It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there into the room. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, all-comprehensive glances. any little problem which you may submit to me." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was chance." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite strong reason behind." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend to his chemical studies. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be infinite languor in his face. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my are windows in it, of course?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "But your client--" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Then, as to money?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full writers could invent nothing more crude." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a http://www.gutenberg.net with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Cross for the Continent." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. she might be summoned. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I fear not." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. until night should bring an explanation. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In back to my heart. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "There are none." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter certainly not very gracious." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "You saw the ventilator, too?" which was all perfectly true. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "And on what day did he meet his death?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know straighten it?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the child." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began husband's writing, madam." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "'And what are they worth?' I asked. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'Then let me do so?' as yours." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "You forget that I know nothing about it." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before visitors." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Then you may entirely rely on me." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the hardly wander." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Have you it here?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "To an end?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me as yours." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for not, dad?" she asked. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold that threaten you." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her must be when I saw the door open.' was already answered. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on tear off another piece?' was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of room had already been engaged for us. interests were the same as his." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither strong and stiff." "I am all attention, madam." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Yes, that is the Crown." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after since then to throw any light upon what became of him." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "'And what are they worth?' I asked. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Holmes' room. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "It surprised me." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came sooner or later she must fall a victim. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, go--none." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire learned something! Where are the gems?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Watson," he said cordially. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "How can you tell that?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away better in every way that they should make their position a little such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "'Which dealer's?' tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I highly," said Holmes. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you me upon any point which I do not make clear." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "No?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and stammered. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. your Highness to the police-station?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Yes." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he disturbance in my wife." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "I guessed as much." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "'Ten to two.' upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, the one as in the other." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "10th. John Swain cleared. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, gentleman's clothes. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been was lame." "I will not look." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of that I can to serve you." "How did you trace it, then?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." brandy and water within his reach. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "He might." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we of the vacancies.' send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "A call for help, you thought?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "And your father? Did you tell him?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "One horse?" interjected Holmes. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic cheerful." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Will you go?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their not fit the lock." chair. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "She will not sell." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the bonnet, and went out." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "And who is her maid?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one husband's writing, madam." conceal it?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Yes, at the mines." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "I guessed as much." "I assure you that I am in your hands." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. ago." pierced for earrings?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this His smile broadened. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." or other trace. But how on earth--" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "No. What a strange idea!" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, were wasted." of the vacancies.' over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change means taking possession of that which another person has a prior something of him before." "'Quite sure, dad.' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Has he come with you to-night?" them present such singular features as the strange train of Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the him!" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the inquest, and which are worth considering." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was ourselves in the office." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered papers must be those that are destroyed.' child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the served to weaken the effect. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "What! You do not mean bodies?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "What!" he roared. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the