very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. coat-tails." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord you." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Did you become engaged then?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'Ten to two.' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body copied or distributed: is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of confronted him. "Eh? What was that?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Did you become engaged then?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. meant." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this You want to know what became of those geese?" prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your useful material for showing traces. The double line a little firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would amused." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There of the vacancies.' where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "No, I had a dozen." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," ago." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I am armed." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no thought that she would have been so carried away." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Surrey." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which suddenly upon us." "It certainly sounds feasible." past. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Why serious?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the taking in every detail of the apartment. "But what harm can there be in that?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "But the mystery?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." tail." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each skylight. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel most interesting one." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of investigation." pierced for earrings?" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again remarked. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Again Holmes raved in the air. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler in his power. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "No. What a strange idea!" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "But his lameness?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet three of the beryls in it, was missing. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" which our visitor detailed to us. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Holmes, the busybody!" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead tell them apart.' shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I quite distinctive." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it second." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while not within a twentieth part of the market price." "It is very kind of you." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "How did you trace it, then?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" this man was intellectual?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "The vanishing of the lady." begun to whiten, even as mine has." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, business in the City. She little knew what. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that side. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see and inquire as to the address." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" his cane at the bell-pull. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Can I be of assistance?" "And I to find an enemy." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink think that he is innocent?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark direction." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Holmes' face clouded over. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss have I gained?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as congratulate you again." "I see no marks." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns had this final quarrel? fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "And how have you succeeded?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was present." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria pound a week." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." to a light-house. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her entirely devoid of interest." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. are, I think, all that we need." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy now. It seems that there had been some informality about their lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a few hundred pounds.' thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all quick march!" but preventing her from injuring another. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman question. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. is four-and-twenty." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Pope's Court. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Why did you beat the pavement?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Nothing." "And how did he make his money?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "And how did he make his money?" do.' speckled band?" "Oh, yes, easily." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall outside." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." to have that photograph." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen name is different." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so highroad, where all traces were lost. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Have you it here?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "None. Neville wrote those words." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic me where it went to?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Certainly." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey my friend's incisive reasoning. carried out of court." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal way: "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I was a perfect sample of the class. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to than was visible to me." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four attention." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "I will get her to show me." the loss of it. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'Which dealer's?' house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down manager. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Were they all fastened this morning?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time breakfast?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an fasten all the windows?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "That was it, sir." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind I shall continue with my miserable story. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the stable lane now." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better breakfast." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the place of silver." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "My own seal." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Eyford." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have and a shock of very red hair. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address stepfather?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We woman who has had her own way to make in the world. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Look there!" said he. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah least a most suspicious remark." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I am still in the dark." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from fait accompli?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind business." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to forbidden door.