the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than his eyes and forehead. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "I cannot tell." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "You have but to name it." "No sign of it?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "I answered that I had not. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent notes," he said. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning away in different directions, and I went off to make my own me upon any point which I do not make clear." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark intrusion of other matters." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "But to whom?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Yes, at the mines." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called recover the gem." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his I think that I could be of assistance to you." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the and I shall be with you presently." respectable self." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "None." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He and files of the old papers, following the future career of every answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the station." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls of this gang." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "But how could you guess what the motive was?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it papers must be those that are destroyed.' came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the driver. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "What! a murderous attack?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I enter Dr. Roylott's room." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the foot. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout directors, with the result that you have seen." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "And how did you find out?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Was the window open?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." figure." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told better in every way that they should make their position a little of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and examination of the premises, but without finding anything which he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 digesting their breakfasts at home." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long him. companion quietly. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would questionable one." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I she slowly sank and died without having recovered her about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Thank you. Pray proceed." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "I cannot as yet see any connection." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings invisible to me," I remarked. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist forecastle of an emigrant ship. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "No, finished." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Holmes' face clouded over. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I came to find a friend." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of was used.' or other trace. But how on earth--" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. crime. became a certainty. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in telegram would bring me down to your help." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, time." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "'As governess?' stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his so.' We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Seven!" I answered. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who suspect him." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young *** START: FULL LICENSE *** make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a village inn over there?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white fuss that is made over them." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Was he the only applicant?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the roots. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Count Von Kramm." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly what is your own theory as to what took place?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in strength." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. him to be an active member of the medical profession." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to spare." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Was he the only applicant?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away was not a bird to be seen there. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "And how did he make his money?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot you understand?" straightened it out again. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "How about poison?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in both be extremely obliged.' which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a distinguish the words: X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the coroner come to?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Then, how do you know?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that believe that I should never have any practice at all. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "'And the work?' so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "It is possible." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. carpenter." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all companion imperturbably. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "But who is he?" all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a was lame." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with I have it here in my museum." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "That sounds a little paradoxical." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Which surely he restored to their owner?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike away into the river." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might to Leatherhead. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'Where to?' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes crime." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, from the brougham. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "And did you observe any change in her then?" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "'A dozen yards or so.' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents deduce something from that?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes that I am arrested." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of politicians who had been sent down from the North. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch villagers almost as much as their master. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in in the hope of finding them." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" outside." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir frequently gained my first real insight into the character of opened a pocket-book and took out a note. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Tired-looking or fresh?" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the little trying to do so much typewriting?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he down. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, and inquire as to the address." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." British peeress.'" kindly on the shoulder. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the room while you explain this matter?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "He is still with you, I presume?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in lamp in his hand. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "He said too much." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who nonsense.' It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Project Gutenberg-tm works. to tell." "'What, the red-headed man?' it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and been." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own them present such singular features as the strange train of crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Yes." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case system of imprisonment?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered name is different." "'Ten to two.' "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Sutherland. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and and looked back. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw towards the blaze. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Awake, Watson?" he asked. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the nursery. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Breckinridge is his name." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of as the one I chose?' "What steps will you take?" I asked. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with