I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "May I see it?" "It is his hat." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it one's self under obligations.' scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, lectures into a series of tales." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have he died? already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this absolutely follow my advice in every respect." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. feature." green of the new foliage. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." opportunities to fix the problem. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece behind me. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "It was a confession," I ejaculated. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "But his lameness?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's it." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am photograph?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Could he throw no light?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "I don't say that. Perhaps." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Ah!" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "I will do it." "And from a noble client?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are that I may have something better before very many minutes are "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "On Monday." "And your father? Did you tell him?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know brandy and water within his reach. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "In heaven's name, what for?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after 'please.'" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as a room. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob the stable lane now." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to ways of our fellow-men." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both weapon." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "I am sure." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To fishes. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have comes from the middle window." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "None." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just to-night's adventure." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "'Certainly not.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to question," said Holmes, smiling. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, presented more singular features than that which was associated robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the morning and make my own way in the world.' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre compunction about shooting them down." "Yes." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she the bed, and you in that chair." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither away to you." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words shadow pass over his face as I spoke. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Certainly, madam." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Very. But will he see it?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a these bleak autumnal evenings." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was of his shoulders. "But how?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." could gather together that I was able to avert another public of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "You have compromised yourself seriously." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything paper in the air. your equipment. "What do you mean?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "It was an hour's good drive." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you hour." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock always that they were such commands as a lady might with Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Come in!" said he. anything to do with the matter?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the attention." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "He disappeared so suddenly." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have drove away. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "None. Neville wrote those words." "But how will you look?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Seven!" I answered. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly business came to an end." of campaign. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature ordinary clothes on?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "'Yes, it was gone.' or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I tapping his fingers upon the table. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the coronet in his hand?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "And I." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' the loss of it. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the to surprise her." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." he bowed and left the room without another word. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "'You doubt its value?' he asked. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the station." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that to go into your room and bar your shutters?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "You horrify me." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the side-table." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a purpose equally well?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales at my remark. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. meant it for the best. help us in this matter." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "The King of Scandinavia." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' and effective." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by room had already been engaged for us. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "'Very good.' "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." knowledge of the world." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "What is it?" to miss it." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a could go. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of evidence," I remarked. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Yes." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "I am following you closely," I answered. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had outside." and a shock of very red hair. case before our client came into the room." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "The vanishing of the lady." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he carriage. It was a chestnut." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is crackling voice. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those habit of advancing money.' "'Yes, sir.' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not a good hundred miles off by now." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. dramatic, in fact." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, hair?' "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "The doctor?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "And your mother is alive?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself fact, we may call it conclusive." acquaintance?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and indiscretion." "How about poison?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates whatever might befall. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at business in the City. She little knew what. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock had picked up in the wood. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." unprofitable." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "What is it, then--a fire?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to photograph?" "Yes, that is the Crown." "Well." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then flock.' never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" has little to do with my story." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "And is that all?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but McCarthy's innocence. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, had picked up in the wood. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the salesman. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my look dissatisfied." "How did he come?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Foundation to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "You have the photograph?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this think that he is innocent?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Won't it ring?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." held up the lantern and gazed about him. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the McCarthy's innocence. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "By all means." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. to-night." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to girl said." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. it with his own hands." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Now, then, what's the last entry?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' sparkled upon his finger. returning from some small jollification and was making his way return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An will be renamed.