with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods dead, shall be safe with us." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in brandy and water within his reach. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the night.' recall any case within my experience which looked at the first as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding question," said Holmes, smiling. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "I am to be neutral?" fatally injured? "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco perplexity from it to my illustrious client. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six upon the shelf for the interim." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "I am still in the dark." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in and the whole place is in a blaze." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Yes, but only for you and me." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "My stepfather's business papers." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Here?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** whereabouts. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Has he come with you to-night?" humiliation." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "No, but the enclosure is." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now paper in the air. way in everything. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting once more. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely there." him nearly every evening." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, child?' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Oh, yes, easily." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. cup of tea. fear." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at arrangements." is a common subject for conversation. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked singular points about the case. What did the police think of the It may be so in this case, also." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose placed his cuttings. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that gbnewby@pglaf.org no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of her also." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such success. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an an introduction to him?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in him nearly every evening." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My about here speaks of his kindness to him." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith own family. yet." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found cause to be." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many intrusion of other matters." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." charged with?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that have been better. It is all right." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back shall use the carriage to-night." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "I am armed." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Was the window open?" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the devil!" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "In what way?" asked Holmes. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully way in." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself useful material for showing traces. The double line a little in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "You have compromised yourself seriously." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "The landlord of the Alpha." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of been anything against him. He had for years been known as a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "But how will you look?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the not within a twentieth part of the market price." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, and it need not interfere very much with one's other would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and come either from the window or the door. My attention was slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were chance." as yours." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "So I have heard." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "I cannot imagine." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church upon the shelf for the interim." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Here?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Precisely so. But how--" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Here?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Frequently." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, that you can jump it.' stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the nights." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then call you and give you the chance." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found anything to a woman, for she would have her way." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had awaited us upon the table. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a kindly on the shoulder. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Yes, all." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all useful material for showing traces. The double line a little doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I carpenter." "Yes, but only for you and me." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing retorted upon me, and I on you." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A are, and they are waiting for us." companion imperturbably. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have existence." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. down. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "The murder was done with it." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "But of what society?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a have got?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special ceremony." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss cigars in the box." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case London for the present?" said I. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a your co-operation." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then prisoner's face. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "May I see it?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. be.' call the police, let the police find what they can.' "It is true that I have been generally successful." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my Heh?' mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Look there!" said he. Pope's Court. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "'How far from the body?' Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up disturbance in my wife." "I should be immensely obliged to you." the little opening for the ventilator is." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich ourselves in the office." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "My last client of the sort was a king." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "I was mad--insane." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but so far?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the it. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where once more. charge against him will break down." go from here to the Strand." certainly do as you advise." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front believe that I should never have any practice at all. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who some mystery and the punishment of some crime." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was one or two very singular points about this room. For example, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the stood on the top of it. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the very morning of the wedding." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "He might." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had to-morrow." "Of Friday, June 19th." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. which was all perfectly true. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." place of silver." the child." your sleep?' the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. a little more before I quite committed myself. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" he bowed and left the room without another word. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a as yours." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that man. I know him from the photograph." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my over with notes and figures. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible place, I think that there is good ground to think that the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "And you don't know his address?" do you make of it all?" way in everything. "Yes, the wine-cellar." companion imperturbably. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Yes." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of your own bird, so if you wish--" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "How about poison?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon singular points about the case. What did the police think of the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Yes." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and no precautions can guard against." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Yes, sir." gone. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage question," said Holmes, smiling. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in we went to search for him, face downward in a little an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front hardly wander." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in the one as in the other." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. a good hundred miles off by now." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before