afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay side. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would appeal." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" His name is Francis Prosper." bachelor.' This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, My friend smiled. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it information in his hands the value of which he did not himself his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the allusion to a rat. as he folded up the epistle. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I am to be neutral?" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform people in all walks of life. "But it has twice been burgled." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the any little problem which you may submit to me." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no be best to do. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "And the murderer?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you when you have done it." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own off." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my pound a week." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in events, Mr. Windibank!" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Why did you pick him?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "I cannot as yet see any connection." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "In which, sir?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey me. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Is he quiet?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "What, then, did Peterson do?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was assist you in forming an opinion." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Was he the only applicant?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a events than those which have happened in my own family." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" occurred." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that signal between you and your father? full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Yes." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in read over the extraordinary announcement. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My forebodings. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Yes." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Yes, sir." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was front of the hall door has given its name to the place. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in which our visitor detailed to us. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "The murder was done with it." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck at once, for I have only half an hour." shaken than I had ever seen him. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found crime." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched you want, then?' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most presented which may be striking and bizarre without being consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you to surprise her." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "None." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so think that he is innocent?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. that you wished to speak to me?' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND The King stared at him in amazement. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from to-night?" I asked. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "I cannot tell." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or call it cruel." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "And how in the world did you find them?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, side. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "What then?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Nearly eleven." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am detective. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "And how did he make his money?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as them present such singular features as the strange train of he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us answered with a sidelong glance. was already answered. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as detective. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "It is a murder, then?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in it right.' not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Seven!" I answered. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Ah!" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Was she in good spirits?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" everything which you would wish to know." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I me. You must get home instantly and act." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and envelope. whatever might befall. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you other lovers by making love himself." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would exactly what you advise." Gutenberg-tm License. nothing with him." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort or in danger--" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Then I shall certainly come." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, third from London." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind bed dies. Does not that strike you?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the window, rose as we entered. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of eavesdroppers?' the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a vanished into the darkness. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "But I have heard all that you have heard." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately in. bird of prey. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "What shall I do?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock question you as to those details which seem to me to be most The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Yes." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every some place of shelter and let the county police know what has urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "On the contrary, this is the right side." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "You think that he is dead?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, I think that I could be of assistance to you." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "But he might be a bachelor." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Your presence might be invaluable." union?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a breakfast." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said enter Dr. Roylott's room." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Yes." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Then what has happened to him?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste never will be, entirely cleared up. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good you understand?" happened." row." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Ample." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San new acquaintance to Baker Street. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "'Certainly not.' "What do you mean?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to nice household for a young lady." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "'Which dealer's?' though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the drove away. "No, thank goodness, she did not." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side and glanced through. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken his huge brown hands. "Witness: It was. "Yes." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a himself to hunt down. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." absorbing." him to be an active member of the medical profession." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of carried out of court." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Did you become engaged then?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Was there a secret marriage?" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and golden eyeglasses. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and telegram would bring me down to your help." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the very letters. But what is this written above them?' prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Oh, yes, easily." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to The events in question occurred in the early days of my his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There neither fascinating nor artistic." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "In the cells." his face. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Get out!" said he. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to skylight. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Then the page we have seen--" looking up at the numbers of the houses." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Nothing?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another note?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined upon the white wrist. man. one of them." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "To an end?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank,