records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I thirty. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "May I see it?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the way: in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly heavy and sharp instrument." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "To an end?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'I am sure that I do not know.' India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; should be taken.' Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" house for five minutes.' what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted recover the gem." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive new duties?' the Assizes." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." which it had come upon my father." weighed down with some great anxiety. telegram would bring me down to your help." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me During two years I have had three consultations and one small It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed call you and give you the chance." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is several quiet little villages up there." "My dear Holmes!" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Yes, I have one waiting." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of good-night and bustled off upon her way. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "How did you trace it, then?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in there!' "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his will not take me long to tell. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, hands. "How did you trace it, then?" weighed down with some great anxiety. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there them?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Yes, it would be as well." man. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will touch that coronet?' in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner unprecedented a position." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very photograph?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is these bleak autumnal evenings." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick young Openshaw's." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his digesting their breakfasts at home." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the was already answered. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I tightly behind him. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who It may be so in this case, also." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of to take care of herself." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a written, and locked the door of the office after me. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate her also." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "To an end?" less than 26s. 4d. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "There is the writing." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the general public were present, then?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "To ruin me." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the stable lane now." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Perhaps I have." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only presented more singular features than that which was associated "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him The note was undated, and without either signature or address. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and stood on the top of it. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "To the police?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "'No, I know no one in these parts.' room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the in his power. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector away to you." of them has the shutters up.' would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an 1.E.9. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "And you thought he was pulled back?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us very peculiar words of the dying woman?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "10th. John Swain cleared. before the coroner and the police-court." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "'Yes, I promise.' When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "I cannot tell." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while ceremony." are, I think, all that we need." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. and effective." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, both be extremely obliged.' mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little this unhappy family?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in tied." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "No bad?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety You want to know what became of those geese?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a not as remarkable as your advertisement." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "'I have already given you my word.' Holmes rather sternly. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "My last client of the sort was a king." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "It is very kind of you." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." outside." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and on in his house." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few points in connection with it which never have been, and probably self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "And your father? Did you tell him?" lost his Christmas dinner." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of from you?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'I have already given you my word.' Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "She told me to ask you." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "And now?" He raised his hand. quickly through a disagreeable task. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I cannot tell." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "It looks newer than the other things?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper highroad, where all traces were lost. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "My opinion is in no way altered." "But she will refuse." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Thank you. Pray proceed." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought villagers almost as much as their master. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the salesman. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for from you?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen mysterious end." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." fact, we may call it conclusive." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be was it brought him the coronet? was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Quite so." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "What have you to say now?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in nice household for a young lady." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house populous neighbourhood." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We a suggestive one." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a is," said he presently: merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed tell them apart.' "Do you go out much in society?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "'I am sure that I do not know.' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family were unconscious?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we swore that no one else had been in the front room during the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "But what is it you wish?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, fashion which was peculiar to him. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' success. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now of your young ladies.' the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money were wasted." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own examine." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My The police have openly confessed that they can at present make terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or without a word or a look. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I existence." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Perhaps I have." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Look there!" said he. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt behind me. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that arrangements." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "No good news?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I throat." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and pound a week." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' there were so many in the whole country as were brought together a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the upon a handsome competence. "'I am sure that I do not know.' have I gained?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was