"We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Only as much as we can deduce." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "And the cigar-holder?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "My last client of the sort was a king." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever bore every mark of being an average commonplace British seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very rat could hardly pass through." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, said he. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching fire. You quite follow me?" arrangements." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "At what time?" after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'Where to?' "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Was she in good spirits?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "What?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily appeal." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, them, and came down just as you departed. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat stood on the top of it. the driver. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger of receipt of the work. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "My dear Holmes!" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing to-night?' gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness other means.' address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "'Is purely nominal.' an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "You think that he is dead?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "It is solved." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "The landlord of the Alpha." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the shoulder; "he's all right." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she depend upon your compliance." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. nonsense.' hopeless attempt at recovering them." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "And I." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the within hail.' bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had green of the new foliage. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "No. What a strange idea!" will take you up to see the machine.' be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of a room. answered with a sidelong glance. the coroner come to?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies sound at heart." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "You saw the ventilator, too?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "What is it?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" new acquaintance to Baker Street. "How do you know, then?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "At the wedding breakfast." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the keep the flames under. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a all-comprehensive glances. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "My private note-paper." "And what then?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "You have the photograph?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." and looked back. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and row." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "I fear not." furiously. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "There are none." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Absolutely?" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "You think that he is dead?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have pierced for earrings?" "'Never.' disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "She told me to ask you." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several asked with his eyes open. should be taken.' just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your horse could go." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "But she could not love him." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle from the brougham. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "How many? I don't know." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "In San Francisco, a year ago." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "How did you trace it, then?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back and glanced through. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns and glanced through. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, fat-encircled eyes. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "It is very clear." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "We have tried and failed." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "By all means." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Has he come with you to-night?" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Not social, then?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Well?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away foot. "None." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "But his left-handedness." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Yes, that is the Crown." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else official police." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "I see many objections to any such theory." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning promised to bring home. "Nothing." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman and laid it on the table. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Yes, only one." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is said I. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes me upon any point which I do not make clear." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "You have compromised yourself seriously." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' helping a boy to put up the shutters. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Precisely." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had ways of our fellow-men." towards the blaze. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Was there a secret marriage?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "I think that it is very probable." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Will you bet, then?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, you." "Where, then?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter words came to my lips. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have acted in my house last night?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences at a side door. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as fattened it expressly for you.' away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Where, indeed?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the warnings." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I be.' "'About the same.' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Yes, the wine-cellar." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Yes." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What will find little credit to be gained out of this case." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the have had none more fantastic than this." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can you give your casting vote to?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and was a loud and authoritative tap. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "I cannot imagine." Eyford at 11:15.' "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an and capable of preserving a secret.' enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and crowd. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said presented more singular features than that which was associated "I shall most certainly do so." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual been deceived." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "By no means." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Frequently." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Will you bet, then?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I politicians who had been sent down from the North. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may you found me to-night--and running through the front room she said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "One?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary my special province." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped