"For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "But the mystery?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Miss Holder?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were retorted upon me, and I on you." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face three fields round his house, and there he would take his sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear conclusions. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had matter." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "I am following you closely," I answered. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down his wife has ceased to love him." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would is four-and-twenty." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most himself to hunt down. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I it right.' heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." with frightened eyes at his accuser. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will easy-going way." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "No, finished." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, But Holmes shook his head gravely. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you awaited us upon the table. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "No, I had a dozen." "'And the work?' and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Upon what point?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Yes." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or a suggestive one." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted she used." entirely lost his self-respect." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Perfectly so." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Which are?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "I cannot say that I have." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." and all of them with the keenest interest. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of this unhappy family?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have relation between them, and what the object of his repeated the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "'And the work?' green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a American. Then who could this American be, and why should he defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "What! a murderous attack?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "To an end?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in you found me to-night--and running through the front room she the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't woman." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "I should wish to." he died? the window, rose as we entered. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "You heard nothing yourself last night?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble morning." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE troubles have been weighing upon his mind. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Farm upon the left." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has gigantic client. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the strong and stiff." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her passage and a tap at the door. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Yes, it would be as well." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then troubles have been weighing upon his mind. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'I have heard so.' combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you at home. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." heavy and sharp instrument." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "How are you getting on?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." indiscretion." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce affection." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in retorted upon me, and I on you." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Have you it here?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her door?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you up this clue while it is still hot." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "No good news?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door gone. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I am armed." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside done what I asked you, Jones?" once more to my work. Gutenberg-tm License. "I answered that I had not. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do been deceived." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Foundation "But to whom?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, behind me. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid you for a few hours?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, enough to aid us in our search." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet death." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin society." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "By train from Waterloo." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "It was." his face which made him a very different person to the round, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Yes." "I came to find a friend." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "A thing like a cleaver," said he. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most maiden herself was most instructive." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "You have a clue?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of way: his knees, staring into the fire. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "But how?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" of." coat-tails." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "It looks newer than the other things?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. green of the new foliage. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Farm upon the left." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses within hail.' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite unprecedented a position." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot dear old homesteads?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "At what time?" made him keep the appointment." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "What steps will you take?" I asked. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl such person." tell me that you intended to go into harness." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed bill, which interests me deeply." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, writing, and yet I know it well." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the driver. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person hands. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in sit on the left-hand side of the driver." been deceived." "'And the work?' up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Not social, then?" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than this unhappy family?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss note?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the some terrible trap for her." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Why did you beat the pavement?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "He disappeared so suddenly." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "What then?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves the matter?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the young Openshaw's." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. charge against him will break down." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. as yours." "Has he come with you to-night?" approach us with offers to donate. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists child?' the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of of the one which your family is now devouring." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, noble correspondent could be. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Yes, but only for you and me." allusion to a rat. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very delirious. enter into my head. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside