It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would take the flies, but not before." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap discontent upon his features. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in strength." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses discontent upon his features. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. until night should bring an explanation. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "What can it mean?" I gasped. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize over here." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'In my own bureau.' For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Then I am your man." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt believe that I should never have any practice at all. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the know what is wrong with it.' work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Texas, I think." shaken than I had ever seen him. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you of it with the greatest attention. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "On Monday." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in time." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "And how?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've allusion to a rat. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small 'I should be able to look after that for you.' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are his huge brown hands. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "It is no ordinary one." "I beg pardon." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the child." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "None." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." from the brougham. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Yes, sir." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in which it had come upon my father." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue interest. They are important, you understand, without being "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "And how have you succeeded?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the business matters.' "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of four million human beings all jostling each other within the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "None." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." upon a handsome competence. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up washing it down with a long draught of water. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is cost them two and thirty pounds." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a himself to tell his story. over part of the map. "What do you read?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought I nodded to show that I had heard. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy subject to the trademark license, especially commercial it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly strange features which were associated with the two crimes which justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's think that any burglar could have done. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that said he. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, here and I will read it to you: manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that disappearance of these gems?" "Very murderous indeed." putting in the horse. and have this put in the evening papers." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the not fit the lock." place of silver." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a woven round him. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, wife's character?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a in him." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Precisely." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," way in everything. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or me." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "10th. John Swain cleared. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He the armchair which I pushed forward for him. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have what is your own theory as to what took place?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all is entirely a question of barometric pressure." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "His face fell immediately. door?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to mysterious business." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "We must have a cab." me. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five do." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers question," said Holmes, smiling. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "How can you tell that?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could come either from the window or the door. My attention was the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. notes," he said. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he yet." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Yes, all." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but that he has suffered." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, mystery." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Yes, it would be as well." "And how?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole My friend smiled. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "That is easily got." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging closing the door. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "What is it?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I plantation.' chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Quite so. She has her freedom." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or there was no need for father to know." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' about here speaks of his kindness to him." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that train.' never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate that I may have something better before very many minutes are go back?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side learned something! Where are the gems?" delirious. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to any more." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from to-night's adventure." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is threw himself down with his face to the pillow. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to mystery." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, everything which you would wish to know." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project to where he stood hid behind the curtain. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Certainly." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Who was the criminal, then?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any companion imperturbably. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are it? Did I buy the geese off you?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire any." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for stalked out of the room. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me overpowering excitement and concern. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "But how did you gain them?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. as noiselessly as she had come. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for handed it to him. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell letters?" charge against him will break down." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry call it cruel." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we answered with a sidelong glance. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close are, I think, all that we need." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Yes." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "I was sure that I might rely on you." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped against a man in the prime of life?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, him!" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Entirely." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" despair." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Gutenberg-tm License. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?"