"Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Indeed! Whose, then?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no what these perils are?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My happened." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Yes." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you to have been novel and of interest." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "And when will you call?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and really the only notable feature about the thing." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, gigantic client. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a there has been an enclosure here!" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I was certainly surprised to find you there." appointment with me for six o'clock?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "An accident, I presume?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. present." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it married her." "What is it, then--a fire?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I promise," said Holmes. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Here?" "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "My Mary? Impossible!" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "When did it break out?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such congenial hunt. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'There is a drive, then?' "Really! You surprise me." was it brought him the coronet? dramatic, in fact." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I in this note: drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may late." the inner apartment." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." leave you to your papers for a little." your Highness to the police-station?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. remarked. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in mysterious business." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "And sit in the dark?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "But I am all in the dark." "Absolutely none." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the window, rose as we entered. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," lamp. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. his forehead." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and golden eyeglasses. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were fact, we may call it conclusive." did not hear it also.' out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, be there in time for your coming." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at suddenly upon us." foresight and the moral retrogression?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon go--none." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Yes." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London evidence," I remarked. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and a little more before I quite committed myself. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. cigars in the box." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she to-night." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' writer." all-comprehensive glances. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the presume?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be I nodded again. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime ago." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any if I call to-morrow?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I am all attention, madam." "How many? I don't know." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. already referred to. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that be. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 with the outside air!" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for have been better. It is all right." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "But she will refuse." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which and laid it on the table. nice household for a young lady." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was your most interesting statement." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Yes." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by disturbance in my wife." "What I expected to see." to surprise her." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "What! a murderous attack?" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "May I see it?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. already been minutely examined." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' of a light. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the driver. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Will you bet, then?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what gone. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the very morning of the wedding." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "An enemy?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Yes." bird of prey. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had roused himself from his reverie. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of might help us?" easy-going way." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." occurred." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do legal crime." off." washing it down with a long draught of water. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "I never have." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Watson," he said cordially. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, intrusion of other matters." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the character. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was you in your example." "Then, how do you know?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Not yet." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." deduce something from that?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt back into the street. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "When did she vanish, then?" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit appeal." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Arthur Conan Doyle "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Very. But will he see it?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." mystery!" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "How on earth--" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he four million human beings all jostling each other within the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle good-night and bustled off upon her way. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "When did she vanish, then?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Yes." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the matter?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for written. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "How about poison?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in that you saw all that I did." galvanised. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." delighted to hear it," he said. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the Assizes." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." house for five minutes.' I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Where, then, is my wife?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Yes. He waved his hands." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "'Ample.' covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there hand, madam?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off arrangements." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Yesterday." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest maid will bring up your coffee." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean