"Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. ventilator." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously said he. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can pressing in one house as in another. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "You have but to name it." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little photograph?" and put his glass in his pocket. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Countess of Morcar's?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from wedding?" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of if she died from some sudden fright." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I relation between them, and what the object of his repeated to-night?" I asked. into the room. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "You are certainly joking, Holmes." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "And how in the world did you find them?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know me, and I could not think that his explanation of the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell 11:15.' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in photograph?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the least a fellow-countryman. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase mysterious end." his face. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Where is it, then?" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your strong reason behind." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "You have but to name it." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little which was all perfectly true. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is round and wave him away like that.' "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "They are typewritten," I remarked. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an relief. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps You want to know what became of those geese?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." man. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive his huge brown hands. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips the house with me." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a train from Paddington which would bring you there at about observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now you?' "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "The gentleman I describe." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Witness: I must still refuse. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a narrative." "Nothing." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now and the whole place is in a blaze." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that arrested. You then--" what I may call a really hard day's work." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how thin legs towards the fire. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "A client, then?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "I do." "That is it on the dressing-table." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "On your arm?" instincts rose up against that laugh. "Well?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but four million human beings all jostling each other within the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk any little problem which you may submit to me." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a back alive. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "So I am. Very much so." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive enter Dr. Roylott's room." indeed which he could not unravel. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. sofa. This way, please!" wedding?" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Why did you pick him?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause next day. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Have you her photograph?" daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "You don't mind breaking the law?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no call you and give you the chance." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass suddenly upon us." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us along the entire front of the house, with three long windows himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their are windows in it, of course?" self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "My dear Holmes!" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle instincts rose up against that laugh. gone. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "'Yes, sir.' "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. fat-encircled eyes. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in back to my heart. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss memory. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The it means?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came views." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I again before evening." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through III. "'Certainly,' I answered. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on lids now and glanced across at his visitor. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in strode off upon his way. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to in your London, you will know that the office of the company is fait accompli?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was despair." "But what harm can there be in that?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "By no means." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone directly by questioning you." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them shall not find me ungrateful." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Not yet." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "One?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, with some details as to your case." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in delirious. maid will bring up your coffee." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the this as likely?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that shall use the carriage to-night." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "A call for help, you thought?" "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of dead, shall be safe with us." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the newspaper selections." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the outside." "Holmes, the busybody!" redistribution. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "'I have already given you my word.' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the heavy and sharp instrument." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." to me. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, bell. Holmes whistled. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "What, then?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about tied." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact even so self-evident a thing as that." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." as the one I chose?' both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "'Is 4 pounds a week.' very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem that I can to serve you." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He you want, then?' "A confidential servant?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. heavily into it. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Oh, yes, easily." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "My stepfather's business papers." "Never." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he that threaten you." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "How did you deduce the select?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the station." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "I have come for advice." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "'You doubt its value?' he asked. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "You have a clue?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the and the whole place is in a blaze." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and for the market.' here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of License. You must require such a user to return or certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I felt the room to be a little close.' with you alone." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Pray do so." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your must be when I saw the door open.' between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon strode off upon his way. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "What will you say?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "I never have." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for in this way: "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon them?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he have I gained?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "So I heard. You have him here?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it wife's character?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Edgeware Road. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes is now desirous of getting those letters back." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the away into the river." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "But what harm can there be in that?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of will be renamed. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Farm upon the left." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Here?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should nights." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the