"You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon observed. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as few hundred pounds.' dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and place, I think that there is good ground to think that the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "And how have you succeeded?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Yes, at the mines." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the ourselves in the office." "Holmes, the busybody!" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "How can you tell that?" your most interesting statement." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the morning and make my own way in the world.' it means?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is me have 200 pounds?' another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" imbecility!" he cried. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the morning." was not a bird to be seen there. green of the new foliage. was feeling which was the fattest.' copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental signal between you and your father? man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and eat it." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge could gather together that I was able to avert another public sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a experiences." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is your most interesting statement." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, strength of mind to control. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United main points of my analysis." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance the window, rose as we entered. this as likely?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the nursery. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had burst out into a roar of laughter. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "From his hat?" are, I think, all that we need." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon which our visitor detailed to us. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "'Tell me all about it,' said I. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying conduct the inquiry." respectable self." forebodings. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting as yours." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I promise," said Holmes. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Precisely." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the little opening for the ventilator is." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "None." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were mystery." true." beyond words. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Do you receive much company?" he asked. strength." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both with the outside air!" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." meant." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "'Very good.' which we had just quitted. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Count Von Kramm." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Miss Holder?" the matter?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Do you know him?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "10th. John Swain cleared. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then our word." unprofitable." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather correct than the official force." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Deserted you?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking hard-headed British jury." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "My photograph." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to compunction about shooting them down." green of the new foliage. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the matter." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "A client, then?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to envelope. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like national property. I was determined that the law should have its opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a What do you deduce from it?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the very morning of my second wedding." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle money should be paid at once.' laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "May I see it?" "'Oh, no.' desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon thin, with a long, sharp nose?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. chamber." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "'As governess?' covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "You have the photograph?" "Was she in good spirits?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel to me. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit business came to an end." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found power." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the Friday. Was it to be in church?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had and have this put in the evening papers." I. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face said I. good for you to do.' "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To upon the shelf for the interim." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without your sleep?' effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread that, and I came down." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way direction." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'I have heard so.' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second until night should bring an explanation. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Oh, yes, easily." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Look there!" said he. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Of what day?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Yes, the wine-cellar." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very this unhappy family?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable were unconscious?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house wanted for ourselves." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Chief Executive and Director from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I have seen the police." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. humiliation." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "No, distinctly professional." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey other means.' house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his whether it answered to the description of any of their "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is little adventures." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Not him." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Young McCarthy must be got off, however." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the depend upon your compliance." shaken than I had ever seen him. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "In the cells." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His good for you to do.' WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as with you?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round where she found matters as described by the last witness. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I handed it to him. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Not particularly." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid would apply.' "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I as he remarks, very much against the son." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would again on its way. "None." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of could gather together that I was able to avert another public could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in call you and give you the chance." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' and your relations to her." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick was the fact that his father should, according to his account, begun to whiten, even as mine has." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "'Ten to two.' heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good he bowed and left the room without another word. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four