towards the blaze. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes the very morning of the wedding." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might John Swain, of St. Augustine. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the province." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider my little problems." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "How did he come?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all conceal it?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are this Miss Turner." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a It may be so in this case, also." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the careless servant girl?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small chair. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your matter over." "My stepfather's business papers." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her that, and I came down." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it know all about it," he snarled. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before photograph a cabinet?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual this poor creature." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his McCarthy's innocence. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "But how did you gain them?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a I. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well experiences." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Who by?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Yes." present." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had conceal it?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old strength." garden below. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an yet." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down was already answered. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, The King stared at him in amazement. "Ample." "Yes." "Witness: Nothing definite. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Where to?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "'What are you doing there?' he asked. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw girl said." woven round him. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Never." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since fire. You quite follow me?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'Is purely nominal.' even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by himself. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my lectures into a series of tales." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for some water from a caraffe. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here as yours." occurred." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere the little opening for the ventilator is." bedroom door." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the delighted to hear it," he said. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "And how in the world did you find them?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his spare." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "And did you observe any change in her then?" with some details as to your case." correct than the official force." "And how in the world did you find them?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and The events in question occurred in the early days of my his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing your room." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest closely." "Never." Arthur Conan Doyle of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "You horrify me." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the ceiling. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little purpose equally well?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler how narrow had been my escape. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save families. Now for the facts. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "'Yes, sir.' were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to together. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Thank you. Pray proceed." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled page at http://pglaf.org "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a point in the dark hollow of his hand. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but train.' "I do." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while light and attacked it." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "How can you tell that?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even both be extremely obliged.' Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "But your client--" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Chief Executive and Director I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second fatally injured? away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the coronet in his hands?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "May I see it?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "It is his hat." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more The summons was a brief and urgent one. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United is so. I know all about McCarthy." case before our client came into the room." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "That also I could fathom." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had it. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up his face. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'I have heard so.' bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a friends, not even his own brother. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and nonsense.' for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It behind me. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Quite so. She has her freedom." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Yes, it would be as well." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from client, rising. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of fled together." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'What do you call purely nominal?' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! some terrible trap for her." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "The doctor?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are You can understand that this register and diary may implicate the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now and the whole place is in a blaze." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "'Certainly,' I answered. back to my heart. father's young wife. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I system of imprisonment?" front of me. reach." conclusions. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has people in all walks of life. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman answer." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "That is easily got." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "My private note-paper." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being have established a very serious case against the son of the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian very morning of my second wedding." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his certainly do as you advise." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was front of me. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do allusion to a rat. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her did not hear it also.' "'Yes.' anything to do with the matter?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "I do." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." have had none more fantastic than this." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'As governess?' mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she joking. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which upon the sideboard." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I purpose equally well?" "On the contrary, this is the right side." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." matters immensely." States. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Did he not advertise?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "And how in the world did you find them?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed asked with his eyes open. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'You doubt its value?' he asked. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I should be immensely obliged to you." congenial hunt. directly by questioning you." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Mary, has deserted me." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "I was sure that I might rely on you." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Ha! you find it so?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what visitors." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself come either from the window or the door. My attention was the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "The vanishing of the lady." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" had a long day." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Where is it, then?" "Not I." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "You heard nothing yourself last night?"