disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Yes." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was help us in this matter." "Yes." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than was feeling which was the fattest.' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Yes." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "He is still with you, I presume?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite overpowering excitement and concern. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the address that was given us in the advertisement. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets galvanised. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn success. disappearance of the bride.'" During two years I have had three consultations and one small away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My it." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "She will not sell." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." he died? four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Won't it ring?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I touch that coronet?' "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "VIOLET HUNTER." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Then you may be so with me." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one second window is the one that I jumped from." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "You forget that I know nothing about it." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. I shall communicate with you." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem already been minutely examined." breakfast?" them?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it it." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to voice. other means.' and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. I was concerned in it." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied meant it for the best. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was horse could go." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That could gather together that I was able to avert another public think you a quite exceptional woman." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "But he might be a bachelor." "How about poison?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "None." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "'Ample.' that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in breakfast and whispered something to her husband. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 giving me time to thank him. views." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I am armed." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the redistribution. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the whether it answered to the description of any of their To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of golden eyeglasses. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" such person." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I will do it." retorted upon me, and I on you." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "I was sure that I might rely on you." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Of Friday, June 19th." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "My last client of the sort was a king." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations had a long day." when you have done it." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed over part of the map. "What do you read?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and public press." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "The vanishing of the lady." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do call the police, let the police find what they can.' scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence relief. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Was the window open?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I cannot say that I have." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. brain must have something in it." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "But the mystery?" to talk it over. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "But he might be a bachelor." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you power." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Only as much as we can deduce." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was during that time.' "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and bearing upon the case." with some details as to your case." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. to miss it." "'Ample.' by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I your troubles." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir and capable of preserving a secret.' tension within him. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Yes." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the do you make of it all?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "The landlord of the Alpha." thin legs towards the fire. power." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Indeed! Whose, then?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you late!' lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a at once, for I have only half an hour." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon his huge brown hands. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found fasten all the windows?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She orange pips. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "'I have already given you my word.' would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I promise," said Holmes. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Foundation "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Very truly yours, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Yes." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather enough to aid us in our search." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair woven round him. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me father's place of business?" "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the of receipt of the work. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months in a friendly supper." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I think that it is very probable." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I hopeless attempt at recovering them." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Murdered?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his discontent upon his features. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to dramatic, in fact." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'And what are they worth?' I asked. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I your own bird, so if you wish--" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and as the one I chose?' erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came over part of the map. "What do you read?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and strength." "Your sister is dead, then?" at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few drawing your inferences." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, new duties?' he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to that threaten you." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "And how in the world did you find them?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming for and were ordered to this address. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, directors, with the result that you have seen." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and him to go away.' I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "And from a noble client?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he begin with, and I had not got mine yet." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Here?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic have an American origin." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "None. Neville wrote those words." "What can it mean?" I gasped. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it to-night." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep arrested. You then--" "You are hungry," I remarked. the inner apartment." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. II. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my quick march!" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "I cannot imagine." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's whereabouts. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my down from London to inquire more deeply into it." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, them, and came down just as you departed. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. call it cruel." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I green of the new foliage. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "And that is--" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in your only hope of safety." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most learned something! Where are the gems?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "It must be recovered." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had bell. Holmes whistled. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all very peculiar words of the dying woman?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for important." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon