one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Heh?' "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence meant." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a do." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Lee, in the county of Kent." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "'Is purely nominal.' for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Then I can wait in the next room." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I is so. I know all about McCarthy." investigation." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the meanly of me." "Breckinridge is his name." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Stoke Moran?" said he. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon was already answered. other lovers by making love himself." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "My photograph." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" British peeress.'" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your other, as fresh and trim as possible. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? less than 26s. 4d. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Clair, of Lee." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood presume?" "Why did you pick him?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no six. Come in!" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "By all means." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be hard-headed British jury." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned hardly wander." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Come in!" said Holmes. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "But she will refuse." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the I took the paper from him and read as follows: in his power. "No sign of it?" here." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The be sorry for having acted so harshly." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "My Mary? Impossible!" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Imitated." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper was a perfect sample of the class. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your wedding?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "But she will refuse." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' giving me time to thank him. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole definite end. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by bill, which interests me deeply." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from forehead. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was and files of the old papers, following the future career of every always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "A call for help, you thought?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned returned to France?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you indiscretion." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from prisoner's face. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and and prosperity to your house. Good-night." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "No, finished." one of them." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He lumber-room." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George companion. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Certainly." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass telegram would bring me down to your help." detective. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "She told me to ask you." and that he would see to anything that turned up. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good new duties?' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was bachelor.' continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting chamber." "Really! You surprise me." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "How often?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more during which he might have communicated with his friend the "No, thank goodness, she did not." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" pressing in one house as in another. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Oh, fresh and glossy." "From his hat?" where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her will not take me long to tell. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "At half-wages, in fact." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of will find little credit to be gained out of this case." returned to France?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. one of them." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing their singular warning or token before them when starting upon bled considerably." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. upon the shelf for the interim." danger is over." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "How are you getting on?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the is so. I know all about McCarthy." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "But we can't all be." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like chill to my heart. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Did you become engaged then?" weary and pale-looking. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your happened." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray cigar and let me expound." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the general public were present, then?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do highly," said Holmes. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "What shall I do?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity to tackle the facts." "It is very kind of you." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and which I could not give. He asked for Alice. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester very morning of my second wedding." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and have I gained?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Do you go out much in society?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The sooner or later she must fall a victim. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Yes." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe writer." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I of a light. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, the house with me." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Then I shall certainly come." putting in the horse. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall and shall probably return to London by the evening train." had this final quarrel? seven miles from Eyford Station.' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which like gravel from a pit.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We disturbance in my wife." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave triumphant cloud from his cigarette. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "BALLARAT." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my new duties?' a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father tell me that you intended to go into harness." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress his eyes and forehead. nothing of it?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but himself to hunt down. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "And that is--" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "What will you do, then?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "No. What a strange idea!" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which secret." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a I think that I could be of assistance to you." made him keep the appointment." good-night and bustled off upon her way. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Nothing." down. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely if she died from some sudden fright." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "'And what are they worth?' I asked. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into papers must be those that are destroyed.' any." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem at my own good fortune. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came through." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "No, distinctly professional." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to to talk it over. pierced for earrings?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very case-book, which he consulted. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their