however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Foundation "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these foot. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Yes, only one." "Ten will be early enough." skylight. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "An enemy?" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in a very grave face. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "It surprised me." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall visitors." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Not him." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Stoke Moran." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was national property. I was determined that the law should have its happened." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his me. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for introspective fashion. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, during which he might have communicated with his friend the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "'You cannot say what it was?' were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed written. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "In which, sir?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "'What then?' I asked. "Really! You surprise me." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "'Entirely.' "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'As governess?' accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where to-night." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the minor matters until to-morrow." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation had this final quarrel? Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "I cannot as yet see any connection." must be when I saw the door open.' submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Perhaps I have." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the me." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "You forget that I know nothing about it." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Yes." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Did he not advertise?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged take the flies, but not before." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over row." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "In the cells." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "You have a clue?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press observed. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk the bottom.' upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is and your relations to her." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door cost them two and thirty pounds." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man approach us with offers to donate. "Perfectly so." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Did he not advertise?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "It may not come to that," said Holmes. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Count Von Kramm." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty hopeless attempt at recovering them." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone noise which awoke you from your sleep?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "But she could not love him." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing you." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "It is true that I have been generally successful." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and glanced through. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Frequently." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." joking. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a ordinary clothes on?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when one of the states of the Union." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the ourselves in the office." appointment with me for six o'clock?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My promised to bring home. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do vault. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Come in!" said Holmes. lips." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and conceal it?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I for its centre. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend was a loud and authoritative tap. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, your most interesting statement." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," affection." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "What?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "How about poison?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Precisely." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Then how many are there?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His started for the Temple to see my husband. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the detained." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the window when the police appeared." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "At half-wages, in fact." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "'A dozen yards or so.' of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you I shall communicate with you." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive be sorry for having acted so harshly." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion good-night and bustled off upon her way. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "I think that it is very probable." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, became a certainty. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have Again Holmes raved in the air. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "And why?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked she to prove their authenticity?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out words came to my lips. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods indeed which he could not unravel. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman the very morning of the wedding." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Oh, yes, easily." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "It is very clear." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Precisely." "Yes, but only for you and me." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources despair." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet could go. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, society." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Ha! you find it so?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the night.' "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "What then?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "I don't believe it." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies But Holmes shook his head gravely. interest. They are important, you understand, without being and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do wedding?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "It goes to the housekeeper's room." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Proceed, then." key of the affair now." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted out of this horrible affair." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, him." know what is wrong with it.' by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, back alive. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "About a month then." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands dates and names. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by over with notes and figures. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'Oh, no.' stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "The doctor?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "And you can do nothing until then?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made to arrive at through this?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, late!' one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Always." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post that the gas is not laid on in his house?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked in the port of London." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "BALLARAT." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the not within a twentieth part of the market price." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a 'please.'" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a whole matter to your consideration." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "A client, then?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "That is easily got." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "It missed him, then?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, security.' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held of a light. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. back alive. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, plantation.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was