ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot appointment with me for six o'clock?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the dangers which encompass me." know what is wrong with it.' America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, thought that she would have been so carried away." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' are, I think, all that we need." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the child?' platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Gutenberg-tm License. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the For additional contact information: France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Then I am your man." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been wanted for ourselves." have had none more fantastic than this." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with to a light-house. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon voice. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "How did that help you?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'Why that?' I asks. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without chance at all." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the said he. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was hard-headed British jury." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "No." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a within hail.' you came in." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached at my remark. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid your troubles." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Sholtos." the roots. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" learned something! Where are the gems?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Holmes, the busybody!" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Then I do not see the point." the child." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow learned something! Where are the gems?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "He might." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "You are all wrong." "Do you go out much in society?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that any." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately is worth.' detective. in his power. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'A dozen yards or so.' squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Only as much as we can deduce." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, fashion which was peculiar to him. call for it in person on Monday morning.' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two again." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "You have compromised yourself seriously." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "One?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as have accepted such a situation. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at sufficient punishment." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a been deceived." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Witness: Nothing definite. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a hard-headed British jury." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "You know me, then?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of situation." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." examine." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Was there a secret marriage?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Will you bet, then?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "And Miss Sutherland?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to way in everything. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the room while you explain this matter?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" followed. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you know that the truth is known." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is at my own good fortune. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of yourselves in at night?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the inquest, and which are worth considering." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming touch that coronet?' one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our that the gas is not laid on in his house?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security DISSOLVED. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been should be taken.' squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Again Holmes raved in the air. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "I cannot tell." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece leave you to your papers for a little." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "There is the writing." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "You think so, too?" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should security.' certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be might help us?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced the King without delay." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I laugh and put his lips to my ear. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot new duties?' purpose equally well?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "How can you tell that?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "'There is a drive, then?' Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an some water from a caraffe. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "No bad?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Yes." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the http://gutenberg.net/license). "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. any more." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do made him keep the appointment." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be any little problem which you may submit to me." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof companion quietly. "'Then let me do so?' was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Ah!" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "This photograph!" "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Gutenberg-tm License. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "It is his hat." "And the cigar-holder?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an in the dead of the night?' the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature the ceiling. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are fashion which was peculiar to him. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND on in his house." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Thank you. Pray proceed." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Texas, I think." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in conduct the inquiry." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. late!' very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "It is very clear." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from situation." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which mystery may be cleared along those lines." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and to talk it over. constraint." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Why did you beat the pavement?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Well?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "A greater distance to travel." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend do you make of it all?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are results." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you and have this put in the evening papers." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" not, dad?" she asked. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have round with crates and massive boxes. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time something of him before." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some geese which you supplied to the Alpha." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough detained." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "You heard nothing yourself last night?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "And I say east," said my patient. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom