approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let sufficient punishment." But Holmes shook his head gravely. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "It was." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm that the gas is not laid on in his house?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose on in his house." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich neither fascinating nor artistic." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three London for the present?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own strength of mind to control. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come skylight. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small instituted." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well one else, I think." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to fat-encircled eyes. I leave." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the address that was given us in the advertisement. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Yes." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." presented more singular features than that which was associated in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." forecastle of an emigrant ship. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Why serious?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, a suggestive one." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be been." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE tear off another piece?' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Sutherland?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The existence." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall have been better. It is all right." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable test if we have an answer to our advertisement." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend investigation." "She walked into the breakfast-room." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my horse could go." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "But you were on a friendly footing?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I bearing upon the case." "To an English lawyer named Norton." companion. walking." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Where did you address your letters, then?" the Red-headed League." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Then I do not see the point." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in the night.' lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it wife's character?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in she has been waylaid. There has been no result." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Then you may entirely rely on me." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the III. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's newspaper selections." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can nothing with him." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, details." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "And did you observe any change in her then?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I gigantic client. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' way: drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "You saw the ventilator, too?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, read over the extraordinary announcement. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no voice, changing her seat as requested. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the me upon any point which I do not make clear." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and companion. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "It certainly sounds feasible." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which did not hear it also.' Leave Paddington by the 11:15." that threaten you." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of know that the truth is known." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I miles off. nonsense.' doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to of his shoulders. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with point in the dark hollow of his hand. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly promised to bring home. "I am following you closely," I answered. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The our word." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an you." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "You forget that I know nothing about it." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'What then?' I asked. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless with you alone." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to said I. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. said I. it." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "At half-wages, in fact." "What do you make of that, Watson?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by washing it down with a long draught of water. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you his grey eyes. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the which are rolled in Rotterdam." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, golden eyeglasses. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I don't say that. Perhaps." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards my little problems." and your relations to her." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Frequently." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'Never.' body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's became a certainty. of Fenchurch Street." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight that he has suffered." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking believe that I should never have any practice at all. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had danger is over." "I will do it." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might asked. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" unclasping of his long thin hands. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "You'll never persuade me to believe that." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "None." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted presented more singular features than that which was associated call the police, let the police find what they can.' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Murdered?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies power." walking." looking up at the numbers of the houses." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "What steps will you take?" I asked. man. I know him from the photograph." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was voice. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in standing smiling on the door-step. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." and have this put in the evening papers." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard third from London." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I chance at all." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Dr. Becher's." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." upon an income of about 60 pounds." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "I am still in the dark." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself was a loud and authoritative tap. "Proceed, then." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our business came to an end." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." bled considerably." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might know all about it," he snarled. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something more solid." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what fluttered off among the others. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself experiences." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, giving me time to thank him. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked and put his glass in his pocket. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that desk. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "And you thought he was pulled back?" that I am arrested." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "It looks newer than the other things?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO think, you have already met." gbnewby@pglaf.org the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon is acting for the best. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing written. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "No." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "And what did you learn from him?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had to his chemical studies. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single neither fascinating nor artistic." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I was sure that I might rely on you." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. you do it in twenty minutes!' rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I which was all perfectly true. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I sound at heart." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and drawing your inferences." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a done what I asked you, Jones?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. or other trace. But how on earth--" nice household for a young lady." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." cigars in their mouths. I was concerned in it." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was foot. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right a very grave face. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "10th. John Swain cleared. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Where is it, then?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better evidence," I remarked. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Did you become engaged then?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Oh, yes, easily." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in business." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has next day. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion business at Coburg Square is serious." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Certainly, madam." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Munro.' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, posted to-day." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some