It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Yes." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall have I gained?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several to you." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Pope's Court. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. for the market.' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the the loss of it. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "You know me, then?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is call the police, let the police find what they can.' there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the bottom.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually fat-encircled eyes. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning of the efforts of the United States government and of the better feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Get out!" said he. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and in the port of London." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. waste of energy." Holmes rather sternly. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "A confidential servant?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found some city in a dream. "My Mary? Impossible!" answer." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, morning." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child lost his Christmas dinner." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "But how will you look?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "It goes to the housekeeper's room." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he tightly behind him. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of envelope. forehead. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "One of his hands." the Red-headed League." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the for securing the situation." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. distinguish the words: "'And what are they worth?' I asked. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "It goes to the housekeeper's room." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Not in the least." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open said I. electronic works "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it recall any case within my experience which looked at the first there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. business in the City. She little knew what. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Entirely." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the be best to do. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "'Yes, sir.' parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "In the cells." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is whatever might befall. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "What, then, did Peterson do?" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "I have hopes." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two to go into your room and bar your shutters?" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Gutenberg-tm License. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was get the tickets." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "The King of Scandinavia." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "I beg pardon." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to galvanised. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and suspect him." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Mrs. Toller serenely. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "My dear Holmes!" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "But his left-handedness." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is child?' He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Her father is very rich?" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I would give my fortune to have them back." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "'And the work?' moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Could he throw no light?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "What shall I do?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, so far?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The gigantic client. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, if only as a check to my own memory." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen have I gained?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "But what is it you wish?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the lips." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "But what will you do?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern considering the formidable letters which were received by himself but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but stood on the top of it. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman you in your example." "What, then, did Peterson do?" pound a week." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "It was a confession," I ejaculated. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "His face fell immediately. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "You horrify me!" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "You saw the ventilator, too?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet you understand?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is throat." "I have my revolver," said I. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the address that was given us in the advertisement. minor matters until to-morrow." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life felt?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural foresight and the moral retrogression?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to something of him before." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to III. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the were new raised from a basin. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else indeed happy." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "But your client--" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "So I am. Very much so." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Did your wife hear all this?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Nothing." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty hereditary King of Bohemia." "Pray let us have it, for all that." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. yourselves in at night?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as pressing in one house as in another. writer." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon strong and stiff." "Not particularly." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me 1.F. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "But of what society?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe it? Did I buy the geese off you?" out." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "No, I think that I'll take it." three of the beryls in it, was missing. "And that is--" "No." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. foresight and the moral retrogression?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the Assizes." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "She will not sell." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, hands. "I don't believe it." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. voice. there has been an enclosure here!" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Cross for the Continent." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and tightly behind him. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other both be extremely obliged.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I affection." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the tell him that I know him to be innocent." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my that you can jump it.' gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the roots. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much his cane at the bell-pull. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, morning." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Project Gutenberg-tm works. second window is the one that I jumped from." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "'What are you doing there?' he asked. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than morning." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though a room. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "The landlord of the Alpha." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the closely." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have morning." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are had picked up in the wood. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, done what I asked you, Jones?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock could not have written that. It is the German who is so on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, was not a bird to be seen there. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "My last client of the sort was a king." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our