out of this horrible affair." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations fact, we may call it conclusive." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a Count Von Kramm." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a with the outside air!" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "What shall I do?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," it." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to morning." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Is he quiet?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and all?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to matter." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion look upon these things in a different way." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk o'clock is it?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an cause to be." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "My opinion is in no way altered." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid have had none more fantastic than this." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the posted to-day." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect if only as a check to my own memory." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Sutherland?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Watson," he said cordially. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to bird of prey. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'As governess?' high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "What can you not understand?" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be begun to whiten, even as mine has." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Not him." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "What?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face later, upon the night of May 2nd." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Witness: It was. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' present strange and interesting features that it is no easy place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Married! When?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "It is very clear." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of then?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "No, but the enclosure is." waste of energy." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "But his lameness?" "Witness: Nothing definite. from the brougham. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in married her." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see and inquire as to the address." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight like that before?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you locked." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It a few minutes he said that it would be all right. British peeress.'" never to learn it at all." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "You saw the ventilator, too?" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Eh? What was that?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the becomes even more simple." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I will try. What is it?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "You have the photograph?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Was there a secret marriage?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the warnings." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations goes." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, my former friend and companion. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "That is easily got." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Has he come with you to-night?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I several quiet little villages up there." knowledge of the world." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." all-comprehensive glances. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the eavesdroppers?' a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Then how many are there?" was feeling which was the fattest.' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." room?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. that, and I came down." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should him!" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round placed his cuttings. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Will you go?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'I have heard so.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser at my own good fortune. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money of Mr. Rucastle's." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "And why?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "And from a noble client?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. notes," he said. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when maiden herself was most instructive." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "What are they?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "And you can do nothing until then?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in will take you up to see the machine.' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Henry Baker is a member." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Edgeware Road. side. trifles." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Pray do so." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Well?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "It is no ordinary one." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't works. "10th. John Swain cleared. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both what these perils are?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. together. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Who by?" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet residence of the great financier. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Gutenberg-tm License. "My Mary? Impossible!" relation between them, and what the object of his repeated serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he you?' within hail.' were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it business in the City. She little knew what. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, the nursery. "What, then?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to answered with a sidelong glance. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if to change my dress. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and when your master had gone out." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay south, for the country is more deserted there." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "What of the rat, then?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to a light-house. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Well, it is a possible supposition." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." it right.' and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the was used.' "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address direction." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence business in the City. She little knew what. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "My last client of the sort was a king." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his details." "How many? I don't know." "And what did you see?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress arms and began to sob in a high treble key. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I guessed as much." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the window, rose as we entered. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "And did you observe any change in her then?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the straighten it?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just me upon any point which I do not make clear." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering recall any case within my experience which looked at the first the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to interested in these little problems, and since you are good after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose present strange and interesting features that it is no easy and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" note?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a cost them two and thirty pounds." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "What?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous their singular warning or token before them when starting upon and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be of the vacancies.' few hundred pounds.' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in congenial hunt. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "My dear Holmes!" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "But how did you gain them?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I