"Oh! you have seen inside, then?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, DAMAGE. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Do you go out much in society?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so for its centre. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Proceed, then." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "And how?" had this final quarrel? the matter?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two photograph?" disturbance in my wife." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, system of imprisonment?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace were new raised from a basin. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely which our visitor detailed to us. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "At the wedding breakfast." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had too. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as The note was undated, and without either signature or address. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. been with you?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and laid it on the table. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Really! You surprise me." here." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. hereditary King of Bohemia." "My dear Holmes!" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." This is what he says: said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This of receipt of the work. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "No more words. Get out!" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Pope's Court. Street. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I am armed." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the as the one I chose?' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the is a common subject for conversation. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward said he. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he this as likely?" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Why did you pick him?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, matter over." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "I cannot tell." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. than was visible to me." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting in the dead of the night?' of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his know that the truth is known." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a of the vacancies.' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. ago." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Does that suggest anything?" "My dear Holmes!" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy fishes. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. province." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Nothing." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very should be so warm over such a trifle." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off me. You must get home instantly and act." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Ten will be early enough." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "No more words. Get out!" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those remarked. Doctor, of the paper and the date." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Have you her photograph?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported really the only notable feature about the thing." client, rising. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the coronet at all injured?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper in this note: drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "And who is her maid?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "You have the photograph?" man. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "'Yes.' "That you are never beaten." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the His name is Francis Prosper." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "In San Francisco, a year ago." thought that she would have been so carried away." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "How do you know, then?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the and no precautions can guard against." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had followed. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase narrative." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in happened." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of my friend's incisive reasoning. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. him to go away.' and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light John Swain, of St. Augustine. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "I cannot imagine." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." touch that coronet?' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Yes." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is constraint." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in that I may have something better before very many minutes are "One of his hands." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Ah!" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "I cannot imagine." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his tassel actually lying upon the pillow. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Who by?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "In San Francisco, a year ago." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain his face which made him a very different person to the round, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand searched, without anything being found which could incriminate this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From relief. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the was not a bird to be seen there. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of to-morrow." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Has he come with you to-night?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind quite distinctive." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." her also." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the could not have written that. It is the German who is so pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "But you can know nothing of this?" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but had picked up in the wood. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the salesman. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" with some details as to your case." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very the driver. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are how narrow had been my escape. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the chill to my heart. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the imbecility!" he cried. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. charge against him will break down." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. It may be so in this case, also." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Which are?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "My dear Holmes!" interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and appeared upon the scene." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by His smile broadened. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was which our visitor detailed to us. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my have had none more fantastic than this." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. might have a private word with us. fattened it expressly for you.' insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Why? What do you mean?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness unprofitable." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "'It is locked up,' I answered. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "I cannot think." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "How often?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "So I am. Very much so." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "But his left-handedness." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "But you have hopes?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Then the page we have seen--" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Not in a good cause." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" his knees, staring into the fire. residence of the great financier. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The father's place of business?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" constraint." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in what is your own theory as to what took place?" "It was." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "My dear Holmes!" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be