"Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "My last client of the sort was a king." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises to tackle the facts." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and was lame." "Why serious?" the so-precious time, but come!' tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I will not look." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right upon the shelf for the interim." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without thirty. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Look there!" said he. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Pope's Court. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Then I am your man." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our chair. "My dear Holmes!" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward fashion which was peculiar to him. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical arms and began to sob in a high treble key. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. new duties?' plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office I have it here in my museum." vanished into the darkness. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything train from Paddington which would bring you there at about state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he meant." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated made him keep the appointment." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "What are they?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every lids now and glanced across at his visitor. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "The landlord of the Alpha." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you do." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have official police." "Thank you. Pray proceed." shall use the carriage to-night." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Then, how do you know?" it right.' pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "BALLARAT." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his there has been an enclosure here!" some terrible trap for her." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. pictures, libraries, or plate. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty open." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked way in everything. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And morning." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "But I am all in the dark." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "So I am. Very much so." memory. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little your billet.' "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Stoke Moran." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate towards the blaze. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." village inn over there?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "But how will you look?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were waste of energy." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the bell. Holmes whistled. are windows in it, of course?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "In answer to an advertisement." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Then, how do you know?" What do you deduce from it?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. never came back." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you mystery may be cleared along those lines." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend written, and locked the door of the office after me. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept father's place of business?" companion imperturbably. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better question," said Holmes, smiling. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "What!" he roared. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," meant it for the best. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and made him keep the appointment." nothing of it?" electronic works almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You appeared upon the scene." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that it means?" to a more successful conclusion." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age one else, I think." upon a handsome competence. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Well?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence which we had just quitted. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and read over the extraordinary announcement. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, him. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded take the flies, but not before." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts business in the City. She little knew what. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on have been better. It is all right." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked will not take me long to tell. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in have accepted such a situation. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the south-west, I see." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to careless servant girl?" II. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this suddenly upon us." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not meant." woven round him. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' definite end. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the tied." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" empty. the morning and make my own way in the world.' my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'Yes, sir.' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe him. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured nights." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Where did you address your letters, then?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them awaited us upon the table. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from lectures into a series of tales." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Yes." "Not particularly." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. see me here to avoid scandal." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Gutenberg-tm License. "I cannot tell." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Yes, all." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had noble correspondent could be. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a developed." "What will you do, then?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Nothing?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among money should be paid at once.' "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they young Openshaw's." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "And how in the world did you find them?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from noting anything else of interest. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Pray be precise as to details," said he. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Look there!" said he. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that you." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that front of me. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to cigars in the box." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner For additional contact information: sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." leaning back in his chair. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "How did you trace it, then?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it people in all walks of life. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship neither fascinating nor artistic." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can your troubles." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Indeed! Whose, then?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the coronet in his hand?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to go from here to the Strand." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and joking. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about as he folded up the epistle. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I which should have the effect of calling the attention of the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it official police." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot companion. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." his knees, staring into the fire. of it with the greatest attention. in darkness. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'I am sure if I had known--' waste of energy." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the papers must be those that are destroyed.' extraordinary contortions. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "ARAT," I read. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "So I have heard." in a friendly supper." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in will he say when he returns?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, hard-headed British jury." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, unprecedented a position." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "My Mary? Impossible!" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Yes, only one." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already in a very precise fashion." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through."