decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what and looked back. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." stalked out of the room. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Project Gutenberg-tm works. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Game for a morning drive?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went mysterious end." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott without a word or a look. have had none more fantastic than this." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie clang of the bell. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Where, indeed?" "And now?" He raised his hand. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "'In my own bureau.' and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "And I." I took the paper from him and read as follows: pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Stoke Moran." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Leadenhall Street--and--" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "No sign of it?" "You saw the ventilator, too?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Can I be of assistance?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry question you as to those details which seem to me to be most father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a all?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even be best to do. that you saw all that I did." DAMAGE. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The passage and a tap at the door. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I my former friend and companion. before, for it was considerably after midnight. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "It's nothing of the kind." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable was already answered. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "'And the work?' transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. sparkled upon his finger. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Yes, they were peculiar boots." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to-night's adventure." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "It is possible." system of imprisonment?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You leave you to your papers for a little." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as front of me. him. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "It is possible." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Do you know him?" "Not I." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she remarked. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. man. I know him from the photograph." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at miles off. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, himself to tell his story. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the cigars in their mouths. your bag." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which national property. I was determined that the law should have its that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another absolutely follow my advice in every respect." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "It is very clear." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "None." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be fear." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "You did not overhear what they said?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Won't it ring?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "It is possible." purpose of examination. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "By all means." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of with the outside air!" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "The King of Scandinavia." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "'There is a drive, then?' its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, bell. Holmes whistled. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in frequently gained my first real insight into the character of this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Yes, at the mines." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "You have but to name it." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, ashen face. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "You have but to name it." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I cannot imagine." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the them?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had one or two very singular points about this room. For example, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, had died away into the silence from which it rose. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." front of me. clang of the bell. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the signal between you and your father? spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I fait accompli?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you matter." "I should like to see him very much." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid IS "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Was the window open?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with McCarthy." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we bachelor.' slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, conversation I have gathered that they have been married about had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "What then?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Where, then?" "'Never,' said I. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to the general public were present, then?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, leaning back in his chair. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his third from London." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is lamp. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "I am following you closely," I answered. is so. I know all about McCarthy." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Will you go?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "One of the highest in England." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution felt the room to be a little close.' "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet It may be so in this case, also." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my obstinate." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it events, Mr. Windibank!" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some and have this put in the evening papers." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and a shock of very red hair. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears upon the sideboard." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to in his hands." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Yes, at the mines." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the from the brougham. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "I cannot tell." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' opened a pocket-book and took out a note. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "'What, the red-headed man?' "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "This concluded the examination of the witness." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from him." "And what did you learn from him?" "And help." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to wife's character?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "You were travelling in the States?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the to Leatherhead. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, waste of energy." correct than the official force." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll forbidden door. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations second." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I to take care of herself." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. have an American origin." "Pray continue your narrative." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my guilty parties." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start future lives." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the it with his own hands." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. know that the truth is known." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Project Gutenberg-tm works. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that important." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the