"Breckinridge is his name." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "We must have a cab." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a call the police, let the police find what they can.' "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her excitement. "None. Neville wrote those words." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged absorbing." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual pressing in one house as in another. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head in the port of London." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two companion imperturbably. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "I am following you closely," I answered. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My you want, then?' "Where is it, then?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the best of training." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is death." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "It must be recovered." prepare for the new role I have to play." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his DISSOLVED. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one The summons was a brief and urgent one. and effective." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle three fields round his house, and there he would take his The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not young Openshaw's." "No, but the enclosure is." heavily into it. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several hurried by. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "I cannot as yet see any connection." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important closely." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "I see many objections to any such theory." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to that?' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the I shall communicate with you." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which upon the shelf for the interim." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the best of training." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be you." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I and all of them with the keenest interest. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in direction." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the to a more successful conclusion." I shall continue with my miserable story. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I cannot tell." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way and put his glass in his pocket. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to threw himself down with his face to the pillow. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly breakfast." been with you?" "By no means." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the you, my dear young lady?' indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at peculiar to him. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "But I have heard all that you have heard." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "But he might be a bachelor." "Not in a good cause." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'There is a drive, then?' "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Chief Executive and Director her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "None." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the tell me that you intended to go into harness." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Nothing." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black colour had been driven from his face. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your served to weaken the effect. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Where to?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, redistribution. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "My stepfather's business papers." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "10th. John Swain cleared. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous my special province." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose which are rolled in Rotterdam." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Stolen, then." as he remarks, very much against the son." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the Assizes." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that upon a handsome competence. that comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at visitors." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband this man was intellectual?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "From his hat?" think that any burglar could have done. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather little trying to do so much typewriting?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." his eyes and forehead. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more bill, which interests me deeply." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Ha! you find it so?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Will you go?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled lips." families. Now for the facts. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the locked. have one." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of Miss Holder?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was constraint." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is fatally injured? weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "His face fell immediately. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray which are rolled in Rotterdam." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his because she had spent so short a time in this country that she End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin in a very precise fashion." union?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the long narrative. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress overpowering excitement and concern. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch prove to be little relation between the different incidents of back alive. bled considerably." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "May I see it?" public press." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the salesman. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Yes. He waved his hands." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "She walked into the breakfast-room." "And how have you succeeded?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran been." and looked back. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom laugh and put his lips to my ear. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and that you wished to speak to me?' into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange had picked up in the wood. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of correct than the official force." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "And how in the world did you find them?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding companion. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness south, for the country is more deserted there." indeed happy." events than those which have happened in my own family." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "That was it, sir." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door new acquaintance to Baker Street. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Watson," he said cordially. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I came to find a friend." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Did you become engaged then?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would purpose of examination. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner away to you." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, himself. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of place of silver." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "That was it, sir." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us never to learn it at all." you." "Yes." get her out of the way." empty. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a way: "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "How are you getting on?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "So it appears." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I his wife has ceased to love him." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. of." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my just ask you whether you had heard it.' upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "'Where could I find him?' suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge