and no precautions can guard against." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "This concluded the examination of the witness." highly," said Holmes. of Fenchurch Street." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'Yes, I promise.' his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault miles off. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the be there in time for your coming." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be the night.' if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I to-morrow." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid bore every mark of being an average commonplace British serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "We must have a cab." "That also I could fathom." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself problems help me to do so." "Here?" "How can you tell that?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'And what salary do you ask?' which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Quite so. She has her freedom." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my official police." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things official police." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had whereabouts. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as bare slabs of marble. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the nursery. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Imitated." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry following enigmatical notices: bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Sholtos." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "No." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Ah!" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." weapon." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Yes." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." face and glided from the room. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to works. See paragraph 1.E below. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front of the way of danger. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "BALLARAT." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my hands. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if directors have had misgivings upon the subject." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," presented more singular features than that which was associated retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large present." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "From his hat?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Certainly, madam." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. definite end. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that status with the IRS. prison!" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. fait accompli?" see me here to avoid scandal." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Not yet." know that the truth is known." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the roused himself from his reverie. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point brandy and water within his reach. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I know where it is." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Where, indeed?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since you." chance at all." Henry Baker is a member." "Yes." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For their singular warning or token before them when starting upon to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark awkward doing business with an alias." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "How many? I don't know." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. entirely lost his self-respect." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was already been minutely examined." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with disappearance of the bride.'" galvanised. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Not yet." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a mysterious business." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "'Ten to two.' "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "I would give my fortune to have them back." introspective fashion. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Come in!" said he. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' of the one which your family is now devouring." bearing upon the case." it." breakfast." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end do you make of it all?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "That is not always so easy." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Absolutely?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Pool. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the room while you explain this matter?" him." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Who was the criminal, then?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Why did you pick him?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. miles off. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the go from here to the Strand." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had quite distinctive." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and I nodded again. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a to affect your life." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this fuss that is made over them." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "What, then?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a cigars in their mouths. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "You will not go there first?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "'Most admirably.' "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "From his hat?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Where did he live, then?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Nothing." my secret was safe in his possession. prepare for the new role I have to play." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "But what will you do?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport to arrive at through this?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But call you and give you the chance." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which 1.F. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "You think that he is dead?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was his cane at the bell-pull. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them up this clue while it is still hot." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting key turn in the lock." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless the roots. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "And that is--" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah fait accompli?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all see a sister of mine apply for." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Oh, yes, easily." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her all?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE you in your example." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Sutherland. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the and have this put in the evening papers." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his possible that we could bring him back to her? "'In my own bureau.' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "But we can't all be." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you sooner or later she must fall a victim. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "I have my revolver," said I. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Yes, sir." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Yes, sir." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress little adventures." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never forecastle of an emigrant ship. Literary Archive Foundation The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be present." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Not particularly." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As your troubles." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "No more words. Get out!" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'Why that?' I asks. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "No, thank goodness, she did not." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to crackling voice. not fit the lock." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, character. rat could hardly pass through." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler despair." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the could go. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the writer." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which that I am arrested." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert States. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'Yes.' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and helping a boy to put up the shutters. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at and sees whether she has anything which would suit them.