"Frankly, then, madam, I do not." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and remarked. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are presume?" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little you found me to-night--and running through the front room she man. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "A greater distance to travel." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "No good news?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "'You cannot say what it was?' five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, flock.' you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Holmes. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." danger is over." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the than was visible to me." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I cannot think." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' think, you have already met." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; walking." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police infinite languor in his face. "'Stolen!' he cried. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The that there was nothing in it, after all." ventilator." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us not as remarkable as your advertisement." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he companion quietly. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. a little more before I quite committed myself. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging read over the extraordinary announcement. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Do you go out much in society?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as not interfere, come what may. You understand?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the chill to my heart. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried opened the door, and slipped through. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to assist you in forming an opinion." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for too. tail." any little problem which you may submit to me." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Really! You surprise me." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I to-morrow." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. upon an income of about 60 pounds." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, desk. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss whatever might befall. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and copied or distributed: "I should be immensely obliged to you." "And your father? Did you tell him?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "'You cannot say what it was?' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, business came to an end." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was with you alone." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, as this. Pray let me have the details." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your morning." without a word or a look. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further the roots. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the off." at my own good fortune. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property whatever might befall. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in to where he stood hid behind the curtain. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "'And what salary do you ask?' my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Precisely." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. My friend smiled. mysterious business." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general matter." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for people in all walks of life. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" even so self-evident a thing as that." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed chamber." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the Assizes." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the at home. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first once more for Briony Lodge. "No, distinctly professional." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss simple cases which are so extremely difficult." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle silent! Oh, he will be silent!' shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I cannot imagine." "But who is he?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite be best to do. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I opened the door, and slipped through. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "But to whom?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." even so self-evident a thing as that." as noiselessly as she had come. "And Miss Sutherland?" straighten it?" "There are none." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "10th. John Swain cleared. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps the general public were present, then?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, there." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" records." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that of the one which your family is now devouring." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the roots. meanly of me." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the had formerly been in part my own. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London speckled band?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it three of the beryls in it, was missing. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable to Leatherhead. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but intimate personal affairs in this public manner." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Yes." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able we went to search for him, face downward in a little pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it generous with you in money matters.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general subject to the trademark license, especially commercial I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour we went to search for him, face downward in a little "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair absolutely follow my advice in every respect." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "What office?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Then I can wait in the next room." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to evidence," I remarked. have been better. It is all right." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. row." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Entirely." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to maiden herself was most instructive." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed or other trace. But how on earth--" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out on in his house." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat tell me that you intended to go into harness." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, placed his cuttings. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for nothing of it?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a said I. without a word or a look. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; appeared upon the scene." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Of what day?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "But I am all in the dark." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "It looks newer than the other things?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "On the contrary, this is the right side." be best to do. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be murdered man." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "You were travelling in the States?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while official police." "How many? I don't know." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Thank you. And your address?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "This photograph!" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out you?" now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave have an American origin." "Have you her photograph?" the side-table." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is you in your example." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It delighted to hear it," he said. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "I cannot imagine." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, him to go away.' he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she to take care of herself." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias bedroom door." excitement. you." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from arrested. You then--" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. walking." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it them?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Oh, yes, easily." results." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott