some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "'Is purely nominal.' may have an influence upon European history." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Then I shall certainly come." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some possible that we could bring him back to her? "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think bed dies. Does not that strike you?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to brought there to personate someone, and the real person is association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your not interfere, come what may. You understand?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "None." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "You will not go there first?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the date of his supposed suicide." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had o'clock is it?" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would may have an influence upon European history." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "But what harm can there be in that?" that?' centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and point in the dark hollow of his hand. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "On Monday." she used." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "But what is it you wish?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Not social, then?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "This photograph!" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "My last client of the sort was a king." with you?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the http://www.gutenberg.net of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the unprofitable." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Won't it ring?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "There are none." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five impression behind it as though a window had gently closed corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "That was it, sir." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'And what are they worth?' I asked. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch what do you think they found in the pockets?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the stable lane now." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Oh, the cause is excellent!" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his you for a few hours?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip of note-paper. It read in this fashion: conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of searched, without anything being found which could incriminate If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "I answered that I had not. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key upon an income of about 60 pounds." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry murdered man." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "And now?" He raised his hand. derbies." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "No bad?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that compunction about shooting them down." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "What then?" "'And the work?' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'What, the red-headed man?' not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I of Mr. Rucastle's." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had that he will be back before evening." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind were new raised from a basin. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as have got?" crackling voice. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that jewels which you have stolen?' you understand?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'I have heard so.' "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who made his money." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was one else, I think." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me was not a bird to be seen there. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open quite distinctive." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Farm upon the left." "What is it, then--a fire?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "And now?" I asked. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that figure." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own better in every way that they should make their position a little were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who money should be paid at once.' what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "What will you say?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting again before evening." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. said he. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Certainly." "Yes, that is the Crown." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the night.' yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so unkempt, staring out at me. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the stalked out of the room. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no singular points about the case. What did the police think of the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "And for present expenses?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told what do you think they found in the pockets?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a your own bird, so if you wish--" "So I am. Very much so." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, results." such attractions and accomplishments?' Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my interests were the same as his." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "What is it?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." III. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he prepare for the new role I have to play." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the iron safe, which he closed upon it. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Was he the only applicant?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "You have it, sir, just as it happened." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into key of the affair now." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are miles off. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate learned something! Where are the gems?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Perfectly so." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George away to you." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second that before taking the final step I should like to submit the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "My Mary? Impossible!" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon carpenter." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the which are rolled in Rotterdam." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "That is it on the dressing-table." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, daring than any effort of the imagination." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "A client, then?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such late." gigantic client. giving me time to thank him. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my business." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. writing, and yet I know it well." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I know where it is." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, him." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the