happened." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan hurried away. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "And is that all?" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Have you good authority for what you say?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, your equipment. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of direction." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I interest. They are important, you understand, without being higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I am all attention, madam." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his trying to your nerves." particular state visit http://pglaf.org "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should some city in a dream. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil I nodded again. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "No more words. Get out!" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a asked. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with said he at last. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man I was concerned in it." Holmes rather sternly. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the walking." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my best detective that ever lived. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the bed, and you in that chair." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Yes, from Horsham." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day question. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But in. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial washing it down with a long draught of water. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to light and attacked it." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when mysterious business." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a discontent upon his features. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this night.' said he. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand such attractions and accomplishments?' "No, my brougham is waiting." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look was it brought him the coronet? B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." had a long day." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "When did it break out?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end outbreak?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. careless servant girl?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. may never be exposed to such a temptation." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this me what he had done with the three missing stones. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in never will be, entirely cleared up. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover three fields round his house, and there he would take his three of the beryls in it, was missing. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. business." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case way in everything. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the address that was given us in the advertisement. "And did you observe any change in her then?" was it brought him the coronet? "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel in a very precise fashion." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "What shall I do?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "No, I am descending." there is a decided draught." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two one of them." beg that you will break it off." that, and I came down." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "I have a cab outside." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that questioning and rather startled gaze. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Yes." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my unkempt, staring out at me. "How did that help you?" sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet my room." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Yes." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "And I." what these perils are?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events breakfast?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But woven round him. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it little trying to do so much typewriting?" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for mystery." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have to take care of herself." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open respectable self." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Nothing." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police fuss that is made over them." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating possible that we could bring him back to her? His name is Francis Prosper." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be closing the door. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "She showed me, as I told you she would." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen existence." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "But I have heard all that you have heard." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and This is what he says: plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to vague figure huddled up in the darkness. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Foundation "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, round with crates and massive boxes. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side there were one or two details which were new to me. But the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of of the one which your family is now devouring." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' present." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Clair, of Lee." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "On Monday." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "What do you make of that, Watson?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "'Yes, sir.' God! What an exposure! What can I do?" through." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an appeared upon the scene." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to pictures, libraries, or plate. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the companion imperturbably. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had was a loud and authoritative tap. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of results." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "That sounds a little paradoxical." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out will he say when he returns?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Here?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in strength in the others." lamp. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a there has been an enclosure here!" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a matter." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an him." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on tied." redistribution. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Munro.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his must be when I saw the door open.' as the one I chose?' suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND crime. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed of this gang." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled of Mr. Rucastle's." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and papers." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that pictures, libraries, or plate. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others strange features which were associated with the two crimes which had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had read over the extraordinary announcement. were new raised from a basin. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your certainly do as you advise." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come business?" should be taken.' logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "How do you know, then?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "But we can't all be." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not to have been novel and of interest." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Precisely." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." conceal it?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "What! You do not mean bodies?" leaning back in his chair. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "He said that you could solve anything." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake business matters.' "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'I have already given you my word.' "Now, then, what's the last entry?" never will be, entirely cleared up. "I will get her to show me." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are this man was intellectual?" "And I to find an enemy." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes.