just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then forebodings. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram infinite languor in his face. "Yes." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Yes." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen someone who had been in Australia." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "That also I could fathom." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "I was sure that I might rely on you." Again Holmes raved in the air. "No sign of it?" Munro.' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up II. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There acted in my house last night?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "What are they?" cigars in the box." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a round with crates and massive boxes. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable deduce something from that?" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Yes, but only for you and me." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' to that open window." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Edgeware Road. "'A dozen yards or so.' the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon simple cases which are so extremely difficult." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. What do you deduce from it?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make assist you in forming an opinion." telegram would bring me down to your help." forebodings. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Here?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his sit on the left-hand side of the driver." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "That is unusual in a young girl." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with your Highness to the police-station?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but so far?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite arrested. You then--" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback green of the new foliage. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Well, some hundreds of times." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Your French gold?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "'Ample.' "'Ample.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Nothing." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had criminal. We have already had experience of such." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "A client, then?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short vague figure huddled up in the darkness. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, within hail.' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell south, for the country is more deserted there." "Absolutely?" horse could go." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." tail." them?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Was the window open?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I would apply.' which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. within hail.' seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact despaired of." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Holmes. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "But you were on a friendly footing?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Clair, of Lee." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "'There is a drive, then?' double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "How are you getting on?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "I was mad--insane." begun to whiten, even as mine has." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered think that he is innocent?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become indiscretion." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied of Fenchurch Street." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "But his left-handedness." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I will try. What is it?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will useful material for showing traces. The double line a little little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "It is solved." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I see no marks." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me to have that photograph." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this married her." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles was a perfect sample of the class. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home remarked. for securing the situation." case-book, which he consulted. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the You want to know what became of those geese?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on such person." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "You think that he is dead?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" not, dad?" she asked. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in giving me time to thank him. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of shall use the carriage to-night." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Holmes, the busybody!" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Yes." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Perfectly so." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Holmes' face clouded over. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "How did you deduce the select?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had jewels which you have stolen?' to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was little trying to do so much typewriting?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for in his power. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." the south-west, I see." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as peculiar to him. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. His smile broadened. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round had this final quarrel? I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible business?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a respectable self." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "I should be immensely obliged to you." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "But his left-handedness." "No, my brougham is waiting." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the a monotonous occupation." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it if only as a check to my own memory." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "How many? I don't know." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you over here." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'Ample.' which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could him. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Seven!" I answered. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "By train from Waterloo." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "No, I am descending." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Why? What do you mean?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Miss Holder?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. my secret was safe in his possession. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "But she could not love him." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Deserted you?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I nothing of it?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper States. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open of the vacancies.' hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call within hail.' "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "He slept on the premises." "'In my own bureau.' either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the such attractions and accomplishments?' house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to burst out into a roar of laughter. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. said he. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily is so. I know all about McCarthy." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." laugh and put his lips to my ear. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "You are certainly joking, Holmes." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I assure you that I am in your hands." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Why, it's a dummy," said he. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without strength of mind to control. "Has he come with you to-night?" bedroom door." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "No. What a strange idea!" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "We must have a cab." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. envelope. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the so-precious time, but come!' man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are prisoner's face. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in lost nothing by them." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small detained." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the coronet at all injured?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a your billet.' deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch as he folded up the epistle. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to papers." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent joking. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess village inn over there?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I province." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Then, how do you know?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "What can you not understand?" was used.' I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next ceremony." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than