A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." this poor creature." certainly do as you advise." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the address that was given us in the advertisement. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an were wasted." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was think, you have already met." against a man in the prime of life?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of brain must have something in it." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Yes." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "I shall most certainly do so." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now from the brougham. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "'Most admirably.' "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "There are none." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a footfalls from the street. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "'Never.' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into come either from the window or the door. My attention was second window is the one that I jumped from." and that he would see to anything that turned up. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. are, and they are waiting for us." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of bill, which interests me deeply." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "'Entirely.' remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very of the vacancies.' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a official police." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He away into the river." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "But what harm can there be in that?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some I. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my several quiet little villages up there." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Certainly." drawing your inferences." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the matters immensely." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were case-book, which he consulted. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on III. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My o'clock is it?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Get out!" said he. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, views." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. what is your own theory as to what took place?" "One of the highest in England." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us late." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud have I gained?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the inquest, and which are worth considering." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little it." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite married her." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Pray do so." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they exactly what you advise." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Quite so. She has her freedom." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. used to be." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "How many? I don't know." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "You don't mind breaking the law?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "And why?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had some water from a caraffe. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the His smile broadened. a good hundred miles off by now." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round keep the flames under. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Have you her photograph?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which what do you think they found in the pockets?" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between three fields round his house, and there he would take his instincts rose up against that laugh. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I long narrative. "Very. But will he see it?" said I. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and entirely lost his self-respect." The events in question occurred in the early days of my where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he your Highness to the police-station?" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. nothing with him." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Nothing." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "No, finished." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key you." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found geese which you supplied to the Alpha." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious results." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the face and glided from the room. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "So I am. Very much so." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. hand, madam?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two corner of the building. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Pope's Court, Fleet Street." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "He is dead," cried several voices. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was that foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Texas, I think." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Have you good authority for what you say?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. been with you?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for galvanised. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the to have that photograph." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "It looks newer than the other things?" legal crime." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Precisely." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Where did he live, then?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." people in all walks of life. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "And why in hopes?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End chambers. "You know me, then?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "In what way?" asked Holmes. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do your troubles." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was humiliation." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face burst into a hearty fit of laughter. man. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Count Von Kramm." only touch the interest." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Why? What do you mean?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous points to suicide?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; place of silver." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place giving me time to thank him. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "No, I am descending." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the something of him before." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "I am following you closely," I answered. dates and names. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "To an end?" "And the cigar-holder?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Oh, fresh and glossy." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free quite distinctive." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "What then?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "How on earth--" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, round with crates and massive boxes. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was notes," he said. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "I have come for advice." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls system of imprisonment?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Of what day?" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. leave you to your papers for a little." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but his eyes and forehead. "What I expected to see." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "What do you mean?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'Ample.' simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out results." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would carriage. It was a chestnut." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Absolutely none." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "What!" he roared. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Where, then, is my wife?" sound at heart." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the respectable self." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is as the one I chose?' carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "In answer to an advertisement." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that seen the man in the road." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very papers." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. companion quietly. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" the Red-headed League." it right.' and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions