band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Pray let us have it, for all that." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the eat it." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "No legal papers or certificates?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, yet." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "What shall I do?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a absorbing." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could in darkness. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Come in!" said he. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs emerged. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Always." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "What have you to say now?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." really the only notable feature about the thing." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' emerged. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "It is very kind of you." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Witness: I must still refuse. more terrible than the truth. "In heaven's name, what for?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light soul! here is her carriage at the door." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "It was." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Did you become engaged then?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "But she could not love him." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Ample." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor intimate personal affairs in this public manner." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush The summons was a brief and urgent one. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and upon the shelf for the interim." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I have hopes." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Gutenberg-tm License. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Yes, sir." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "'I shall certainly be there.' particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have my friend's incisive reasoning. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and to tackle the facts." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want a little more before I quite committed myself. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens new acquaintance to Baker Street. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in you." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. trying to your nerves." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "At half-wages, in fact." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "That also I could fathom." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I his fortune, and I went back to pa. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at four million human beings all jostling each other within the your own bird, so if you wish--" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'It is locked up,' I answered. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly What do you deduce from it?" slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was arms and began to sob in a high treble key. past. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the whole matter to your consideration." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any right! Sit down and let us talk it over." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor my secret was safe in his possession. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "But he might be a bachelor." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar for its centre. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the really the only notable feature about the thing." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Clair, of Lee." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all stood on the top of it. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is be. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." that, and I came down." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Tired-looking or fresh?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so roused himself from his reverie. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "It certainly sounds feasible." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "I say that I have solved it." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders have had none more fantastic than this." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "And that is--" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there noble correspondent could be. works. was a perfect sample of the class. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, his huge brown hands. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what your own bird, so if you wish--" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "On the contrary, this is the right side." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one happened." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, investigation." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "And leave your case unfinished?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was outside." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Not I." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of pictures, libraries, or plate. my friend's incisive reasoning. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and prosperity to your house. Good-night." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, him nearly every evening." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, envelope. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "None." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "But she will refuse." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at village inn over there?" "Then, as to money?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which dead, shall be safe with us." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" than to us. is acting for the best. III. looking up at the numbers of the houses." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "I don't say that. Perhaps." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "And Irene Adler?" fact, we may call it conclusive." chance at all." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the the driver. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Just look it up, then." For additional contact information: stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "10th. John Swain cleared. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Was he the only applicant?" money should be paid at once.' abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up as the one I chose?' the iron safe, which he closed upon it. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of of receipt of the work. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you furiously. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among indeed happy." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I friend's singular character. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in The note was undated, and without either signature or address. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This call you and give you the chance." "'Quite sure, dad.' The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "It was." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Always." note?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not that?' chambers. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found waste of energy." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "But of what society?" for its centre. "It must be recovered." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom up this clue while it is still hot." "Stolen." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter call for it in person on Monday morning.' Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "She showed me, as I told you she would." infinite languor in his face. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, fashion which was peculiar to him. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and foot. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "'How far from the body?' "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City matters immensely." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous go--none." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for hair?' business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "And I." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "My opinion is in no way altered." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from you." giving me time to thank him. which it had come upon my father." really the only notable feature about the thing." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've your room." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" crowd. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Holmes, the busybody!" and the church but not where the lady lived." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "But it has twice been burgled." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my corner of the building. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "By no means." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the armchair which I pushed forward for him. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you