"'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. October 9, 1890. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and whether it answered to the description of any of their after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey astonishment. "Tired-looking or fresh?" wedding?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "None." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all figure." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious said I. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." to that open window." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the house with me." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with outside. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and imbecility!" he cried. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp once more for Briony Lodge. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, with frightened eyes at his accuser. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "A greater distance to travel." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the that I can to serve you." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Yes, that is the Crown." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "That's no good." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to have been better. It is all right." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the with her." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "I was mad--insane." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" that, and I came down." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of with the outside air!" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had gone. was used.' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a detained." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Holmes' thin, eager face. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "And help." License. You must require such a user to return or A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said that you wished to speak to me?' "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." never to learn it at all." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "We were both in the photograph." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and cause to be." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from anything to do with the matter?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the heavy and sharp instrument." key of the affair now." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "I assure you that I am in your hands." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. washing it down with a long draught of water. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to-night's adventure." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that house for five minutes.' cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. back to my heart. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Sutherland?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to tied." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Well." gone before you can get him to hospital." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I enough to aid us in our search." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her most interesting one." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "We must have a cab." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "How on earth--" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about anything to a woman, for she would have her way." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off following enigmatical notices: upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days and the colonel ushered me in. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the very letters. But what is this written above them?' wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a public press." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Why did you pick him?" "You have but to name it." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, her also." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very it." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "And Irene Adler?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Ha! you find it so?" directors, with the result that you have seen." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and but preventing her from injuring another. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about means taking possession of that which another person has a prior permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Yesterday." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that here and I will read it to you: jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, everything which you would wish to know." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "No good news?" "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Whose house is it?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "No." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of views." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it From what you have told me I think that it is possible that eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "And it is--" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy papers must be those that are destroyed.' secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "On Monday." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second chill to my heart. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. particular state visit http://pglaf.org people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" awkward doing business with an alias." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND sneer upon his pale face. strong and stiff." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and I. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "'You doubt its value?' he asked. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you wanted for ourselves." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive burst out into a roar of laughter. words came to my lips. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman asked. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, I leave." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly against a man in the prime of life?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my these bleak autumnal evenings." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "We were both in the photograph." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to confronted him. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do constraint." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "'Yes, sir.' appeal." had formerly been in part my own. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "You think that he is dead?" Eyford at 11:15.' "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "But not more so than I to find you." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at out." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said The events in question occurred in the early days of my our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Where, then, is my wife?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the coronet in his hands?" learned something! Where are the gems?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Holmes, the busybody!" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "My dear Holmes!" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if was a loud and authoritative tap. "Nothing." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were we went to search for him, face downward in a little points to suicide?" fire. You quite follow me?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City vault. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too papers." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "And your mother is alive?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom and the whole place is in a blaze." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little father's young wife. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "None." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "It is very kind of you." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Literary Archive Foundation to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can key turn in the lock." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Where, then?" cigar and let me expound." "Yes." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It stood on the top of it. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the had died away into the silence from which it rose. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. of them has the shutters up.' the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling have an American origin." letters?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Why did you beat the pavement?" "My Mary? Impossible!" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "That also I could fathom." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty his wife has ceased to love him." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very out of this horrible affair." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out through." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it companion. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he you." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Pool. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a your sleep?' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others tightly behind him. pound a week." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my skylight. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were some mystery and the punishment of some crime." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' before, for it was considerably after midnight. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Countess of Morcar's?" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, to you." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. daring than any effort of the imagination." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray possible that we could bring him back to her? "And why?"