dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "A call for help, you thought?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Not in a good cause." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Where does the thing come from?' horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An his forehead." to-night's adventure." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, situation." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "But you have hopes?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "I should be immensely obliged to you." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." business." noble correspondent could be. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I have solved it." to-night." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain it? Did I buy the geese off you?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "It's nothing of the kind." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking might help us?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. and put his glass in his pocket. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any woven round him. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Not in the least." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a before, for it was considerably after midnight. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." meant it for the best. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "'No, I know no one in these parts.' however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "And for present expenses?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a you give your casting vote to?" "He is dead," cried several voices. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." leaning back in his chair. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no looking up at the numbers of the houses." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a through." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply in one or two places in England?' "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "You heard nothing yourself last night?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said gentleman's clothes. "I was afraid that you were engaged." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very read it out to me." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical tapping his fingers upon the table. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Well, it is a possible supposition." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. my secret was safe in his possession. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and is so. I know all about McCarthy." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide to have been novel and of interest." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low subject to the trademark license, especially commercial and the colonel ushered me in. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "I assure you that I am in your hands." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little presented which may be striking and bizarre without being purpose of examination. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but back to my heart. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar you do it in twenty minutes!' "And you thought he was pulled back?" and all of them with the keenest interest. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a it." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help public press." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for distance from the station, and there we found the young lady spark where all is dark to me." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "My last client of the sort was a king." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident a monotonous occupation." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: if she died from some sudden fright." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "One of his hands." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you mystery!" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "She will not sell." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would to a light-house. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Your sister is dead, then?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Now, then, what's the last entry?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "'And the work?' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her http://gutenberg.net/license). trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he which it had come upon my father." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of constraint." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "And Irene Adler?" was shining brightly. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a introspective fashion. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Imitated." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was keep the flames under. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the driver. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I should like to see him very much." vanished into the darkness. "Nothing." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Has he come with you to-night?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Did you observe the colour?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in bore every mark of being an average commonplace British cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Very. But will he see it?" carriage. It was a chestnut." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and south, for the country is more deserted there." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "And Miss Sutherland?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" green of the new foliage. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, should be taken.' "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I His smile broadened. to-night?' Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "'Yes.' States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a in a very precise fashion." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope present." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate that you can jump it.' armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers of them has the shutters up.' The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must helping a boy to put up the shutters. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless writing, and yet I know it well." for its centre. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken business." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was room had already been engaged for us. third from London." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a help us in this matter." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "At half-wages, in fact." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand unkempt, staring out at me. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as shaken than I had ever seen him. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the village inn over there?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital vague figure huddled up in the darkness. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, behind me. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged of the vacancies.' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Bought." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Yes." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Proceed, then." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Foundation but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a read it out to me." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, such person." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless fluttered off among the others. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you have an American origin." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. again." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway presume?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, be there in time for your coming." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, 11:15.' rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to been deceived." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was cost them two and thirty pounds." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Yes, at the mines." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of point our research must commence, and we will begin it by effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'About the same.' thirty. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were to you." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "'I am sure that I do not know.' found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but reach." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." one else, I think." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in bird of prey. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in you want, then?' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I III. Watson," he said cordially. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the stable lane now." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans,