"There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a most interesting one." future lives." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' to his chemical studies. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "And why?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "How on earth--" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two coroner's jury." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the easy-going way." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was enter Dr. Roylott's room." father's young wife. "Yes." "Seven!" I answered. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, friend's singular character. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do You can understand that this register and diary may implicate gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very have accepted such a situation. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "How can you tell that?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Sutherland. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous to affect your life." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Edgeware Road. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This I nodded again. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. once more. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "On the contrary, this is the right side." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "His face fell immediately. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others good for you to do.' "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' said I. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, wedding?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "But she will refuse." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on like gravel from a pit.' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, ago." were wasted." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a quite distinctive." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could triumphant cloud from his cigarette. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" future lives." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & I. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the morning and make my own way in the world.' four million human beings all jostling each other within the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Holmes' thin, eager face. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and matter." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up that, and I came down." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Dirty?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You companion imperturbably. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt coat-tails." "It certainly sounds feasible." putting in the horse. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "On your arm?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be have had none more fantastic than this." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is bedroom door." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "We were both in the photograph." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "My private note-paper." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, you." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "That is easily got." "Then how many are there?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." undoubtedly my uncle's." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "'Entirely.' pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Which are?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'I am sure if I had known--' straightened it out again. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, This is what he says: where we are going." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Have you her photograph?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge residence of the great financier. papers on the sundial.'" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Cross for the Continent." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose said he. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged astonishment. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch following enigmatical notices: "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "But who is he?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where sufficient punishment." could not have written that. It is the German who is so for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "And help." "I do." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I would pay ten." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "It came here." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you stepfather?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "In what way?" asked Holmes. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Never." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "'And the work?' them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in have not had my rubber." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite outbreak?" footfalls from the street. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to detective. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered tassel actually lying upon the pillow. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my him nearly every evening." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots subject to the trademark license, especially commercial to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to at a side door. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek You want to know what became of those geese?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was room?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should at my remark. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' dear old homesteads?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the gbnewby@pglaf.org bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, to talk it over. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new lips." already referred to. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he arrangements." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It You want to know what became of those geese?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the other, as fresh and trim as possible. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of kind enough to tell me what I should do." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Yes." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been father's young wife. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the night.' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, touch that coronet?' ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind criminal. We have already had experience of such." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "No, but the enclosure is." to talk it over. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. forebodings. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and like that before?" answer." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. chair. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want one's self under obligations.' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "But his left-handedness." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there article?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story this unhappy family?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "In which, sir?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the populous neighbourhood." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found simple cases which are so extremely difficult." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the notes," he said. "Never." But Holmes shook his head gravely. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Leadenhall Street--and--" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face the general public were present, then?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Why, what do you mean?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion long narrative. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the McCarthy's innocence. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the quite distinctive." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," distance from the station, and there we found the young lady down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" me upon any point which I do not make clear." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know is worth.' a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." with you?" things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He to-night." for the market.' astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in showing my impatience. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "But I have heard all that you have heard." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "What are they?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "You horrify me!" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "I should wish to." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Precisely." "That is it on the dressing-table." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the stones. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. upon an income of about 60 pounds." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the wedding?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'Certainly not.' "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, hereditary King of Bohemia." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, it with his own hands." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "The knees of his trousers." chance at all." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "He is dead," cried several voices. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and and prosperity to your house. Good-night." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face eat it." becomes even more simple." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round hard-headed British jury." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I would give my fortune to have them back." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into went to the Alpha were town bred." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Holmes rather sternly. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with and inquire as to the address." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes