in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Never." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich down in his armchair and closing his eyes. families. Now for the facts. a little more before I quite committed myself. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "You'll never persuade me to believe that." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only me. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." interested in these little problems, and since you are good wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you said he. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far late!' back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Then he might have called to you?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with do.' and the church but not where the lady lived." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the province." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, and the church but not where the lady lived." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. direction." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "You are all wrong." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Where did he live, then?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Well, some hundreds of times." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "'Yes.' License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this matter." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." was lame." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right furiously. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." neither fascinating nor artistic." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless hands. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have place of silver." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as tear off another piece?' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at cheerful." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "You have compromised yourself seriously." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the stable lane now." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT said I. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Never." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If dates and names. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Where did you address your letters, then?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's clanging. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I cannot think." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "He slept on the premises." man. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, next day. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. been deceived." "Yes, that is the Crown." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and system of imprisonment?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any drove away. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "What, then, did Peterson do?" again." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the forbidden door. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of skylight. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, in this note: nonsense.' stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. friends, not even his own brother. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "But who is he?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "But who is he?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached with the outside air!" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to floor. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and that he would see to anything that turned up. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the astonishment. success. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local not, dad?" she asked. "Thank you. And your address?" of receipt of the work. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it one's self under obligations.' "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before photograph a cabinet?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "One?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Your sister is dead, then?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just some city in a dream. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from introspective fashion. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these this remarkable episode. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual know that the truth is known." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm leaning back in his chair. his grey eyes. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right read over the extraordinary announcement. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, in darkness. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered was once confined in the cab my mission was practically you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'Certainly,' I answered. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'Is purely nominal.' endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my hurried away. "10th. John Swain cleared. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and that you wished to speak to me?' and capable of preserving a secret.' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to himself. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue to miss it." and the whole place is in a blaze." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed of Fenchurch Street." up this clue while it is still hot." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it absolutely follow my advice in every respect." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the Friday. Was it to be in church?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Perhaps I have." "One of his hands." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done said he. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying occupations.' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you to surprise her." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "It is very clear." unkempt, staring out at me. could go. "How on earth--" "Pray let us have it, for all that." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. will he say when he returns?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry careless servant girl?" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had in a very precise fashion." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "What I expected to see." Pope's Court. several quiet little villages up there." "VIOLET HUNTER." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of detective. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "How about poison?" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "I am sure." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "A confidential servant?" bonnet, and went out." beyond words. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start chill to my heart. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Precisely." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My to change my dress. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Never." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new client, rising. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have it." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have should be taken.' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "'Entirely.' prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "What?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony a good hundred miles off by now." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Was the window open?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is held up the lantern and gazed about him. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. ashen face. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." and I shall be with you presently." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. already referred to. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "It is a murder, then?" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, guilty parties." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, nonsense.' usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. ago." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is past. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" footfalls from the street. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Certainly." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my your billet.' turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I maiden herself was most instructive." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about hardly wander." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Yes." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of eavesdroppers?' "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the south-west, I see." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "I know where it is." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "It looks newer than the other things?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of I held the little printed slip to the light. "'As governess?' "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his persecution?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do that the gas is not laid on in his house?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too