Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he place no limit on the sum I may draw." fait accompli?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with into the room. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss most important business. It is probable that he will be away all him!" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face past. his huge brown hands. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and foot. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Here?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At other, as fresh and trim as possible. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'How far from the body?' "I should like to see him very much." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, of receipt of the work. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Yes, from Horsham." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "What is it?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he 1.F. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'It is locked up,' I answered. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a me have 200 pounds?' right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'Yes, I promise.' Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "And Miss Sutherland?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this which was all perfectly true. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running side. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our success. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Sutherland. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was crime." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility little adventures." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who himself in a perplexing position. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Clair, of Lee." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away distance from the station, and there we found the young lady I was concerned in it." extraordinary contortions. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in goes." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Get out!" said he. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for present." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of ashen face. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. his cane at the bell-pull. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat awaited us upon the table. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & see me here to avoid scandal." "But you have hopes?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she a suggestive one." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have business matters.' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "What! You do not mean bodies?" ashen face. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own absolutely follow my advice in every respect." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few minor matters until to-morrow." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' man. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "No, finished." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as my former friend and companion. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "And what did you see?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Nothing." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the an introduction to him?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted in a friendly supper." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for annoyance, but no jest. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his delirious. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" questioning and rather startled gaze. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you them?" Holmes' room. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "'Tell me all about it,' said I. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little said he. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. help us in this matter." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I came to find a friend." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "I will not look." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Why, what do you mean?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "How did that help you?" fashion which was peculiar to him. "Then I do not see the point." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both outside." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "The best possible." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no colour had been driven from his face. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were to a more successful conclusion." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do fact, we may call it conclusive." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "None." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Here?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "But I have heard all that you have heard." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight digesting their breakfasts at home." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you a suggestive one." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. which was all perfectly true. "Nearly eleven." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering off." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Yes, it was twisted." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense sooner or later she must fall a victim. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a who was a member of your goose club." clang of the bell. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." she to prove their authenticity?" "Perhaps I have." spark where all is dark to me." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name think that he is innocent?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his British peeress.'" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it in. suddenly upon us." morning." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This at a side door. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life instituted." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency past. I nodded to show that I had heard. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his intrusion of other matters." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow third from London." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "I cannot tell." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in your billet.' "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon business in the City. She little knew what. I shall continue with my miserable story. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, strong reason behind." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "None." it." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "None. Neville wrote those words." stepfather?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? my former friend and companion. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham never came back." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I tail." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in been with you?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother awaited us upon the table. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But society." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, fishes. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some upon the white wrist. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled have got?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced writer." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which husband's writing, madam." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but notes," he said. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental wedding?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This that threaten you." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "None." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of him. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all