considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have soul! here is her carriage at the door." "You will not go there first?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock noting anything else of interest. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in DISSOLVED. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Pope's Court. "But his left-handedness." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for with frightened eyes at his accuser. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to daring than any effort of the imagination." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "I guessed as much." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away undoubtedly my uncle's." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to pressing in one house as in another. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "But we can't all be." late." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and did not hear it also.' It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "One of his hands." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying bill, which interests me deeply." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "What!" he roared. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Surrey." unclasping of his long thin hands. Heh?' it. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every respectable self." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Come in!" said he. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near once more to my work. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, meant it for the best. "I should be immensely obliged to you." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard washing it down with a long draught of water. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and his fortune, and I went back to pa. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit you in your example." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which been with you?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you was a lad." "My photograph." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I threw himself down with his face to the pillow. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Certainly, madam." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the stalked out of the room. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. photograph?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's used to be." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, quite distinctive." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. lamp. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, south, for the country is more deserted there." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Yes, sir." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, writer." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Yes." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion nonsense.' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this wedding?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of laugh and put his lips to my ear. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Did you observe the colour?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Can I be of assistance?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently works. looking up at the numbers of the houses." have an American origin." your most interesting statement." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Nothing." "'Quite sure, dad.' lips." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend something of him before." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the roots. speckled band?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch giving me time to thank him. Dr. Gregory B. Newby the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the what is your own theory as to what took place?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I look dissatisfied." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "A confidential servant?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Deserted you?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the you." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a congratulate you again." tell me that you intended to go into harness." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It is four-and-twenty." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had is now desirous of getting those letters back." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely ready to-morrow?' say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." whereabouts. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Ah, but I was recommended to you." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Yes, it was twisted." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most were unconscious?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in deduce something from that?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, he. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco man. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, in darkness. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the Red-headed League." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very again on its way. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able photograph a cabinet?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a woven round him. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way whatever might befall. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Then I shall certainly come." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said fat-encircled eyes. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'Where to?' stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry married her." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. made his money." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Holmes' face clouded over. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had your room." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of my secret was safe in his possession. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for sneer upon his pale face. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a peculiar to him. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "There are none." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Deserted you?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" respectable self." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it if only as a check to my own memory." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she you for a few hours?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while me, and I could not think that his explanation of the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. skylight. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when relation between them, and what the object of his repeated glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his pressing in one house as in another. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was himself in a perplexing position. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the him nearly every evening." to affect your life." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from instincts rose up against that laugh. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical like gravel from a pit.' the roots. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Pray do so." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common to-night." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Yes." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman miles off. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set eavesdroppers?' silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "But to whom?" bears upon the case?" few hundred pounds.' bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "We must have a cab." Count Von Kramm." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, village inn over there?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, you in your example." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "He disappeared so suddenly." to arrive at through this?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. side. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open sooner or later she must fall a victim. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "No." flock.' "It missed him, then?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." who was a member of your goose club." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Entirely." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Only as much as we can deduce." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "I answered that I had not. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would visitors." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Just look it up, then." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of