beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was habit of advancing money.' "Your presence might be invaluable." "Did you become engaged then?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" you understand?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes prove to be little relation between the different incidents of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you This is what he says: has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that unclasping of his long thin hands. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Nearly eleven." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Not him." and capable of preserving a secret.' photograph a cabinet?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "In answer to an advertisement." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he upon an income of about 60 pounds." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be are, and they are waiting for us." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Deserted you?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Does that suggest anything?" "No. What a strange idea!" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "You saw the ventilator, too?" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in retorted upon me, and I on you." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the here." in one or two places in England?' prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "And how did he make his money?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular from you?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must sparkled upon his finger. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is said Mr. Holder. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and inquire as to the address." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which that I can to serve you." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "BALLARAT." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." strode off upon his way. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you quick march!" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "You saw the ventilator, too?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an papers diligently of late, have you not?" beyond words. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Then I do not see the point." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the quickly through a disagreeable task. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there visitors." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "No, thank goodness, she did not." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous paper in the air. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Pray tell us what has happened to you." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the very morning of the wedding." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out peculiar to him. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have gone. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, was already answered. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I tightly behind him. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I would then never go into court at all." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the this Miss Turner." upon a handsome competence. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "It is possible." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Absolutely none." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Witness: It was. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the help us in this matter." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double notes," he said. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a learned something! Where are the gems?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" already referred to. client, rising. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." is four-and-twenty." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall absolutely follow my advice in every respect." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'What, the red-headed man?' the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture companion imperturbably. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, such attractions and accomplishments?' it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course train.' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the highroad, where all traces were lost. shoulder; "he's all right." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are awkward doing business with an alias." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "I should like to see him very much." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in fluttered off among the others. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. tightly behind him. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Frequently." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Precisely." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my perplexity from it to my illustrious client. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been go from here to the Strand." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small later, upon the night of May 2nd." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was secret." said he. during which he might have communicated with his friend the to that open window." "Pray do so." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his matter." purpose of examination. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you suggested at once that there must be a communication between the bill, which interests me deeply." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a spare." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low it." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "It came here." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "No, thank goodness, she did not." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the and have this put in the evening papers." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "You'll never persuade me to believe that." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a my secret was safe in his possession. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly approach us with offers to donate. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Yes." must be when I saw the door open.' to talk it over. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on test if we have an answer to our advertisement." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, in my life." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw them?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was photograph a cabinet?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled into her hand at the door and which lured her within their to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and in this note: "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his read over the extraordinary announcement. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the room while you explain this matter?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Eyford at 11:15.' Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "The vanishing of the lady." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "None. Neville wrote those words." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would few hundred pounds.' "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were is now desirous of getting those letters back." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and province." certainly not very gracious." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and on in his house." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and which was all perfectly true. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face closing the door. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of be best to do. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "I cannot say that I have." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were went to the Alpha were town bred." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "9th. McCauley cleared. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, criminal. We have already had experience of such." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as front of me. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of quickly through a disagreeable task. Holmes' face clouded over. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Literary Archive Foundation my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Yes?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was The summons was a brief and urgent one. "9th. McCauley cleared. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I corner of the building. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have is worth.' my friend's incisive reasoning. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' disturbance in my wife." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "My dear Holmes!" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the some terrible trap for her." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and IS from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "The King of Scandinavia." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'Then let me do so?' "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he promised to bring home. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of bird of prey. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or